Before, I start, I’d like to get one thing straight: I love my Android devices. Ever since I started using Android phones and tablets in 2013, I’ve been using them nonstop. I love the interface, they’re very affordable, and I have every app I need. However, I noticed something at a recent family and friend gathering:

I am the only Android user among my family and friend group.

For the most part, the people around me are staunchly pro-Apple. They rave about their phones, tablets, and computers. While I can admit they make quality products, I simply prefer the affordability and operating system of Android devices. And because I refuse to turn to the Apple side, let’s take a look at a few of the struggles of being the lone Android user in an Apple community.

BYOC (Bring Your Own Charger)
It’s happened to all of us. We’re enjoying the party around us and decide to check our phone to rationalize staying another twenty minutes. But reality settles in. We notice our device is down to 8% battery. It’s panic time. You run around asking everybody, anybody, for a spare charger.

Now, this used to be a pretty easy situation. There was always at least one fellow Androidman (is that the word? I’m using it anyways) to mooch some charger off of. But now, as the Lone Androidman (movie script pending), I need to bring my own charger everywhere, just in case.

So Long, Siri
Just to be clear: I realize Android basically has its own version of Siri. And it does the job just fine. What I mainly mean is having a little fun with Siri. I remember when Siri first came out. Everybody was flipping about this new robot butler (I refuse to think of it otherwise).

And one of the most fun things when it first came out was messing around with this new robot butler. It was fun to gauge the pre-programmed reactions when you joke around with it. While not a huge deal, it does make you feel a bit left out when everyone around you summons their robot butler right in front of you. (I still love you, Google Now)

Faceless Time
Much like Siri, FaceTime is something Android has a version of that I don’t really use that much. And that’s not only because I’m not a fan of video chatting, (I’m much better in person – kinda) no one from my friend group or family uses it since they're using FaceTime.

This wouldn’t be a huge deal, but again it makes you feel left out. When everybody’s so used to FaceTime, it’s tough to convince them to download Google Hangouts on their iPhone.

I Still Won’t Change
All of this may seem like the first world problem rant of a man about to change. Well, that’s simply not true. I love my Android and don't plan on changing anytime soon. And if that means not using a friend’s charger, harassing a robot butler, or letting people see a close-up of my face, I’m totally fine with that. As for changing something, maybe it’s time to befriend a few more fellow Androidmen.