I have a problem with my cousin and her roommate constantly using their cell phones at the dinner table (both at home and in restaraunts). We usually have dinner together 4-5 nights a week. We have discussed that it is rude and I have point blank said "Tell him you will call him back, that you are out to dinner with people". Now if I say something, my cousin (30 years old, not a kid) makes a smart remark.
We try to be considerate by lowering our voices or stopping the conversation during their calls. It's not that I am against cells, I have one myself. However, there has to be a limit. We have gone for a hour (the entire dinner) with her on the phone and now her roommate has a boyfriend that calls from his work and she is either on the phone or it is beeping and she texts him back all through dinner.
How do we get the point across without alienating them?
2007-08-09 03:58:39 · 30 answers · asked by msbettyboop40 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
As you are sitting down to a meal politely say to everyone, "Let's all turn off our cell phones and have a nice, quiet, uninterrupted meal and enjoy eachother's company." It isn't directed at any one person and only the totally socially retarded would not get the hint.
2007-08-09 04:10:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As far as I'm concerned, cell phones have gotten totally out of control. When I'm eating at home with the family and it rings, I ignore it and call back when I'm done. I guess you'll just have to find different dinner partners. Try telling them that when the cell phone rings and they answer it they are making the statement that whoever is on the other end is more important than you are by them taking the call, after all, you care enough about them to be there in person. Tell them if if happens again, you'll find people in your life that are more important than they are to hang out with too. Either that or just casually say after one of them answers a call; " "Oops. I forgot to tell you, I accidently dropped your phone in the toilet while I was checking it out, sorry."
2007-08-09 04:06:09 · answer #2 · answered by SGT. D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work as a server in a restaurant and I feel really snubbed when it happens, and I've taken to completely ignoring a table until they're done talking. I feel like I'm interrupting something, and also the rude looks and snide remarks aren't something I like dealing with. I'll wait til YOU'RE done before I start taking your order, and if it takes you 20 minutes to finish, fine with me.
Not that I recommend doing that :) but it does support your idea that cell phones are rude at dinner, and how it makes EVERYONE uncomfortable.
Perhaps it would be a good idea to bring up how much it does bother you, but before the fact. Mention how you feel it's rude and how it excludes family and friends at dinnertime, a traditionally "together" time and time that means something to you. Tell them you'll respect their need to communicate via cell phone if they'll respect your desire to have an hour of time solely together at dinner.
2007-08-09 04:05:26 · answer #3 · answered by snugglebunny 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's probably a bit harsh, but I would stop the nightly dinners for the time being. When they ask why you won't go eat with them anymore, tell them that you were tired of spending at least half of the meal time waiting quietly while they stay on the phone. They dont' seem to be having dinner with you because they like your company, because you are having to sit there uninvolved in the conversation for long periods of time.
2007-08-09 04:32:20 · answer #4 · answered by CrazyChick 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pardon me but could you leave the table to talk on your cell phone. Make a rule that all cell phones will be turned off during this time. And if it's not and the cell phone rings that person will pay for dinner.
2007-08-09 04:08:43 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is painfully apparent these girls do not value their time at the dinner table with you. Your company is worthy of agreeable companionship. If you are at a restaurant, start getting up and leaving, leaving enough cash for your check and a tip, wish them a good conversation and LEAVE.
If you are at home (is it your home?) insist the table be off limits and to take their call in another room if it's so important that they can't shut off their phones for a meal.
If it isn't your home, or you share a domicile and they won't leave the table, pick up your plate and go eat in front of the tv or on the front steps or anywhere they are not.
When they confront you with your "intolerance" and "overreaction", simply say their preoccupation with their phone calls bores you to the point of anger.
2007-08-09 04:09:15 · answer #6 · answered by Tseruyah 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ok you said they talk at the dinner table?
try this
next time they start a conversation on their cell phones at the table instead of silencing YOUR conversation talk loudly over them. if they dont get the hint then to get up and excuse themselves to take the call id say they were pretty pathetic
if this dont work id get an aquarium and tell them if the calls dont end their phone is going in the fish tank
2007-08-09 06:56:14 · answer #7 · answered by luckyduck2006 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop eating dinner with "Rude bores" who use the cell Phone at the dinner table.
2007-08-09 04:16:06 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can not control the behavior of other adults. You can only control your own behavior. I would have long ago stopped sharing meals with these people. Perhaps a catty remark is in order if you are invited. Such as No, I couldn't possibly take up your valuable meal time. I know you'd much rather spend the time "being with" your boyfriend.
2007-08-09 04:02:57 · answer #9 · answered by Lisa A 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Nicely tell your guests to turn off cellphones when at a family gathering and kindly let them know that there is a time and there is a place.
This will get the message across without alienating them.
2007-08-09 04:07:31 · answer #10 · answered by Agent319.007 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋