We were sitting in a restaurant celebrating SCI-FI's birthday the other day, and I noticed a couple at a nearby table who appeared to be on a romantic-type date. There was some snuggling before the male half of the couple moved to the other side of the table, lots of intimate looks and smiles, but what stood out the most to me is the smart phone resting on the woman's lap. Even while eating she'd glance down at it and even text occasionally (or type, who knows?).
Is this acceptable behavior now? I found it incredibly tacky and rude. My daughter Chaos played devil's advocate and reasonably pointed out that perhaps the lady had something urgent going on at work and needed to keep working on it through dinner.
Hmph. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I think it's wrong to focus so much of one's attention on a digital device while out on a date. Put it in your purse or pocket, in silent mode or off.
6 comments:
Nope, that's apparently the 'new' norm... Sigh
I agree. I try to control my urge to check my device in social settings, with varying success, but it is supremely rude. It's amazing that in the space of 20 years, we've come up with an entirely new and outrageous method to be rude to the meatspace people who are giving us their precious time and attention. I'm trying to be more mature than that.
My spin class is full of faculty from my university, and one lady keeps her cellie on her bike and texts throughout the class. Another man takes calls. Typical conversation of his starts with "Nothing. What are you doing?" I want to say, "actually, you're being rude to an entire room of people, jackwagon!" Funnily, it's hard to be confrontational to such people, isn't it. I see rude people. They don't know they're rude.
It's acceptable but I certainly wouldn't put up with it. It clearly indicates what's more important and it's not getting to know you better.
Old NFO, I guess we need to keep up with the times...?
Phlegmmy, that is BEYOND rude. Plus, the girls and I were on the subway the other day, and a gentleman got on the train whilst conducting a call (ON SPEAKERPHONE) with a customer service rep regarding his coffee machine. This continued for multiple stops.Bizarre.
Brigid, if both of them had been doing it, I could see it maybe, but when it's all one-sided, I feel bad for the person being neglected.
That's completely and utterly unacceptable IMHO. You are out on a date with someone and are basically telling them that whatever is on your phone is more important than interacting with them.
If you really need to take a call, answer a text etc. inform the other party and excuse yourself.
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