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

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