I was at my desk this week just minding my own business, when one of my young colleagues started poking fun at me.

I was thumbing through the phone book trying to find a number when he asked me what I was doing.

Looking for a number, I said.

He laughed at me and said he did not know anyone still used a phone book.

I do not think he was intentionally trying to imply that I am a dinosaur, but that thought did cross my mind.

When he told me I could find people’s telephone numbers on the Internet, I responded by asking what if I need to know their address?

Well, this little 50-something got a wakeup call from the 20-something. He did not want others knowing his address because he said he did not want people to show up uninvited.

I have never been one to give up a debate, I mean discussion, so I responded back with another question asking what if someone wants to send you an invitation to a party?

His answer, “They can call or Facebook me.”

Times are different for the younger generation, and they view and experience the world differently than me.

Sometimes this can be a challenge sitting in an office where several of your fellow workers are not even 30 years old yet, but there is also an upside.

They help keep me current and have broadened my perspective on things.

Isn’t it funny how once you see something through another person’s eyes, a very pointed view may begin to soften and maybe even sometimes change.

Now do not get me wrong, I still like getting invitations in the mail, and I even enjoy when a friend just pops over, that is if the house is clean. But after having the phone book conversation, I was reminded we do not all see the world in the same way.

In addition, age is not the only differing factor that acts as an obstacle.

Lately, there have been so many hurdles in understanding and accepting our differences when it comes to race and sexual orientation.

Hate and anger and judgment have taken over, and I think the only way we can begin to reconcile these differences is to actively and earnestly learn about each other.

It is easier to dislike someone when you do not know them, but as bonds are developed, differences began to diminish and sometimes we may even find out we are really more alike than we thought.

In 1876 Alexander Graham Bell was granted a patent on his telephone and shortly after installed the first telephone exchange or telephone “book,” which was just a single 14 cm. x 21 cm. sheet.

I think it is ironic Thesaurus gives the word conversation as a synonym and related concept for the word exchange.

I cannot wait to talk to my young colleague again and let him know there is still a need for telephone books!

Terri Frazier is a staff writer at The Vicksburg Post. You may reach her at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.