Dear Hildegarde: Your Questions Answered

Dear Hildegarde,

I am a college student and am troubled by all of my friends constantly texting each other, especially when I am out to dinner with them. I don't want to say anything and look like a loser, but it is a pain when I am trying to have a conversation with them and they are constantly interrupted by their texts. What should I do?

From,

Irritatingly Interrupted

Dear Interrupted,

Thank you for writing in today. My dear, I must say to you that you have every right to be upset at your friends' lack of manners at table. I have similarly addressed this issue with cell phone usage at table (Cell Phones at Table). There is one rule for cell phones, and in this instance, text messaging, at table: don't. It is very rude to constantly (or even once, for that matter) put a dinner companion "on hold" while answering a ringing cell phone or text notification. This person might as well be having a conversation with a dinner patron at the next table. I almost feel as if people don't care to speak in person anymore; electronic conversation appeals to the younger set today, which is dreadful, really.

Now, as far as confronting your friend about the situation, you may be as explicit as need be, and simply state to her something of this nature--perhaps you and she should get together at another time when she is not so busy. There isn't really anything else you can say without coming across as demanding. Perhaps she will get the message, perhaps not. It is up to you to determine if this friendship is worth keeping. If it is, you may want to be more forthcoming with how her cell phone usage/texting when you are together is making you feel.

I hope this helps you, dear. Please write back with the details.

Until next time...

HF

Do you have a question for Mrs. Fillmore? Please send an email to hildegardefillmore@hotmail.com.

Secret: Underarm Daintiness Should Remain As Such

Dear Reader,

Well...I have looked high and low to find the clip of the newest Secret commercial, advertising a new product: SECRET FLAWLESS. This is yet another advert which absolutely should be edited, if not completely removed. Now dear, I have no quibble with ladies wanting to remain dainty and fresh smelling. Why, one of my earlier posts was dedicated to such a topic. What I do take issue with is the advert showing this woman running around New York waving at anyone she can find, with the sole intent of showing off her underarm area. What is even worse is that at the end of the brief, she actually takes a "sniff" (in public) of this unmentionable area to ensure her daintiness. No lady worth her Ferragamos would ever consider such an act. How dreadful that these advertisers are amused by such proletarian measures to capture an audience. Additionally, their new campaign, "Because You're Hot", is just preying on the groundling thought patterns of those around us. Again, we see another set of executives who were raised by wolves.

Contact Secret

Again, please write to this concern to let them know of your distaste with their marketing tactics; I certainly have. If I can find the clip of the advert, I will post it.

Until next time...

HF

Do you have a questions for Mrs. Fillmore? Please send an email to hildegardefillmore@hotmail.com.