Txt me not

[supernova]

sometimes i have to text during dinner when I go to dinner with my friends but they know it's because that is how I keep in contact with the babysitter when I'm gone and it's easier than having her or him call every two minutes because they cant find the cups/soap/diapers, etc...So I hope it's not that bad.

Yes, but you strike me as the sort that says, "Excuse me for a moment, I have to take this," and then says, "Sorry, that was my sitter, she couldn't find the XYZ.   Anyway, Sue, what were you saying about your boss?"

I imagine "Mary" is the sort that just sits there like a lump ignoring her "friends" because her online friends are more impooooortant...   

     - saphie

[sammycat]

u & dd r rte mry ws rde  (You and DD are right - Mary was rude).  I text occasionally but not when I'm supposed to be having a conversation with someone else.  I also hate having to decipher text speak.

[jfulle5]

sometimes i have to text during dinner when I go to dinner with my friends but they know it's because that is how I keep in contact with the babysitter when I'm gone and it's easier than having her or him call every two minutes because they cant find the cups/soap/diapers, etc...So I hope it's not that bad.

Yes, but you strike me as the sort that says, "Excuse me for a moment, I have to take this," and then says, "Sorry, that was my sitter, she couldn't find the XYZ.   Anyway, Sue, what were you saying about your boss?"

I imagine "Mary" is the sort that just sits there like a lump ignoring her "friends" because her online friends are more impooooortant...   

     - saphie

Haha, yeah. my phone is on vibrate so it doesnt disturb anyone but then again I dont have to look at it every few seconds to make sure they arent trying to get ahold of me. So it will go off and then I'll type off something (people are amazed at how fast I can type on my phone, it's a gift really:) ) and my friends usually already know whats going on.

[kethria]

For new years eve I went to my friend's brother's house and the brother and his girlfriend spent the ENTIRE time we were there playing X-Box and texting EACH OTHER on their new "sidekick" phones. (they were sitting NEXT to each other on the couch...) It was beyond annoying. We stayed an hour and then I feigned a headache and we went back and watched the ball drop on TV... ARGH... I'm becoming a luddite... I hate technology...

[MerryRaven]

I don't understand people texting each other when they are in the same room.

Hello, have a conversation it is cheaper.  And if it is a class room or library or something, you can't wait ten minutes to discusse whatever in person?

[Bob Ducca]

Rude, rude, rude!  Good for your daughter for knowing better.

Once, DH and I were eating at the Cheesecake Factory in the Houston Galleria.  It was very crowded, and we were sitting at one of the long benches where they have several small tables pushed up.  It makes for very close quarters, believe me.  The couple sitting next to us were totally silent, and after a while, we figured out why: they were both text messaging other people!  I didn't see wedding rings on their flashing fingers, but I feared it was some doomed first date scenario.  As they left, they each dialed a number and started talking on the phone.

DH and I started texting each other across the table, just to fit in.

[Xanthia, Maker of fine Tin-foil hats since 2007]

DD would have been justified to leave, informing Mary that she could contact her when she was less busy.

I have done this.  I have a very dear friend who was constantly taking calls and text messaging back and forth when we were having dinner or just sitting and talking.  Finally, one time, we were at her house and after 30 minutes of her texting another friend since I got there, I stood and I got my purse and said "You are obviously very busy, give me a call when you have more time."

We met for dinner a few weeks later, and once again, the phone was whipped out, and after the second text message (we had not been seated yet) I said, "If you are busy or would like to have dinner with X instead, I completely understand."  It has not happened in the 2 1/2 years since.

I would like to note these messages were of the. "what are you doing.", "Eating shrimp" Watching ER" type, not anything that could not wait.

This friend was also there when I left dinner one evening after asking one of the people to stop cussing for the 10th time and told him I would leave if he did it again.  We were sitting very near children and every other word out of this mouth was a MAJOR cuss, like the "f" word.  She knew I would leave.

So send me to E-Hell for being touchy, but I feel if I took the time to visit with you, you should pry yourself away from the phone and acknowledge my presence.

[ccnumber4]

A few years ago I flew halfway across the country to spend four days with an old college friend.  She spent, literally, every moment of our time together on the phone.  With her mother.  Who lives about 3 minutes away.  And who works with her.  I finally asked, about day three if she could spare me an hour so that we could get caught up and just enjoy each other's company.  She seemed gracious enough and it was a fun hour.  Then I came home, sent her a pretty thank you note and we haven't spoken since. 

[tiggeril]

Similarly, the kids who text in class make me tear my hair out. I can't imagine how our professors feel.