Texting and Toasting - A Recipe for Rudeness

I remember when texting devices came on the  market a few years ago.  Several of my close girlfriends got them.  I clearly recall sitting at lunch with them - trying to hide my puzzled look - as they texted away. They would dart their eyes off of me, pausing our conversation, to answer messages as they came in. Now, mind you, these were not surgeons or CEO's of Fortune 500 companies. These were stay-at-home mothers - most of whom spent the day doing errands, shopping and lunching with friends.  It used to peeve me to no end.

Nowadays, I am much more familiar with this trend (I even text myself!) and am not afraid to tell my friends to put their devices away when we are together.   I simply say,"love the one you're with!" and they get my drift.

This rude trend has really gotten out of hand though. I have attended several holiday parties and seen people sitting in a corner texting.  Guests and even hosts sometimes,  notice this and I often see them whispering "can you believe so and so texting over there? How rude!"  At one recent especially lovely party, a guest was in the corner who had been on the front page of Variety that day.  The industry trade was running an article about his failing company.  Okay, I get it.  He is "in the weeds" and needs to tend to his business.  But I say, stay home!  If you need to work, don't do it at someone's holiday soiree.  

Step away from your devices people.  Love the one you are with!  And, happy holidays!

Comments

[Katie]

Oh I could not agree more. It is as if you are saying, "I'm here gracing you with my presence - but I have more important things to do". I saw a man doing this at a wedding recently during the service! I almost said something to him - but didn't have the guts!

[Joan Berg]

I wholeheartedly agree. Unless it is your kids or you have a true emergency - you should focus on the person or festivities at hand. Electronic devices are a fertilizer for rudeness - not to mention traffic accidents. Yesterday while driving on the freeway (at 65 mph) I noticed numerous people looking at their hand held devices.

It is the same thing I hate about call waiting. I do not have it. When someone calls me, I focus on them. I don't switch calls to see if someone better or more important is on the other line. I let that new caller leave a message - and I get back to them.

Everyone needs to stop acting so important. Everyone needs to slow down and Linda you are right - love the one you are with!