This is highly recommended, a series where I provide a compelling argument for why you should like something that I like. 

Dear Reader, 

As evident by everything else that I’ve ever posted on highly recommended, I’m a very mature adult. And as a very mature adult, I’m not afraid to admit that I’m wrong. 

In fact, I have been very wrong on this very blog. 

Almost a year ago, I published a piece on recommending not having a phone case. In said piece, I made a lot of compelling arguments for why you shouldn’t cover up that $1000 piece of technology in your pocket with a cheap sheath of plastic. But after a year of doing so, I’ve decided to change my mind. (Was this sudden change of heart precipitated by purchasing a new $1000 piece of technology and having it break in less than a week? Possibly.) I can no longer ignore the evidence. 

I highly recommend having a phone case. 

Why? 

Appreciating the Design of a Not Broken Phone 

These things are objectively pleasing to look at. But when that screen is full of cracks, it doesn’t look like a cool art project – it just looks like you’re not responsible enough to fuck up your phone. And if you want to get the best look at your phone, you can even get one of clear plastic phone cases that allows you to appreciate what’s going on underneath. I have one. Even though it’s not exactly sleek, at least it’s not shit. 

Comfortably Snug in My Pocket 

I was afraid that adding a case to my phone was going to take up way too much space in my pocket. And if you buy one of those massive water mammal inspired cases, that’s definitely the case. But my case has pleasantly surprised me – it doesn’t make me feel like I’m trying to fit too much into a small space. Sure, it might just be because I’m now used to carrying it around. Maybe I’ve become a “lot of stuff in my pockets” guy. I do love pockets. 

Signifies That I’m Hip to the Latest Trends 

Everybody has a phone case. And while I normally don’t want to do something that everybody else is doing, I need to indicate to the masses that I’m not out of touch. (Being out of touch is ultimately more terrifying than having a broken phone.) Going sans phone case is not the best way to prove my individuality. I can do that through things like continuing to create content that no one asked for and eating foods with little to no flavor. 

Saves Money That Would Have Been Spent On Repairing My Phone 

I like to call myself the King of Useless Purchases. My bank statements are riddled with reminders. But even the King can’t afford to do things like repair a phone that didn’t need to get broken in the first place. Useless purchases are supposed to be fun – not dumb. There’s a difference. Don’t forget it. 

Supports A Good Boy Image 

Back when I wrote my blog about not having a phone case, I was trying to cultivate a “bad boy” image. But I’ve spent the past year reconsidering my personal brand. While bad boys might have an easier time getting photographed or finding sexual partners, those things aren’t at the top of my priority list. Being a good boy seems like a better play in the long run. Can I truly be a good boy if my good boy image is this premeditated? Probably not. But at least I’ll be a boy with a working phone. 

There’s got to be one thing you don’t like about having a phone case. 

Being Wrong 

I know it’s totally unavoidable, but it still never feels good. (Especially when you’ve arrived at that conclusion yourself.) This act of self-reflection, while necessary, isn’t going to become a regular thing. I’d much rather visit other blogs and point out ways that they’re wrong. I have a feeling that if my blog was wrong this one time, there are many other blogs getting it wrong on a regular basis. Maybe that can become some kind of new full-time job – telling other people why they’re wrong. That should help combat all of the negativity in the world. 

For now, my job is to continue writing highly recommended. But I would encourage you, reader, to go back through all of my previous posts to see if any of my other takes are worth revisiting. (I’d love the pageviews. Not for the ad revenue (which amounts to a grand total of $0), but just because it makes me feel good.) If you find something, write me a rebuttal. (I love getting emails.) I might post it on this blog. But what’s more likely to happen is that I’ll give it a read, have a nice chuckle and then move on with my life. 

I’m assuming you do the same every time you read one of these posts. 

After all, how can a blog be a good blog if it doesn’t inspire any nice chuckles? 

love, 

nicholas