While the question is a simple one, actually the real question is to find a way to do so without hurting another person's feelings, or make them think that the TV program I'm watching is more important than they are or what they have to say?
I would like to be able to find a way to come across that the TV program doesn't matter that much to me, but at the same time trying to improve their terrible timing.
Is there something that I could do subliminally? Is there a way I can get rid of them without hurting their feelings? On the phone, it's easy enough, as all I have to say is that I have someone on the other line. But that's not a lie I can get away with when we are in the same room.
What can I do? I'm going nuts with frustration and I'm sick and tired of missing usually the climatic parts of a tv program or movie.
2007-09-06 09:56:12 · 10 answers · asked by flyhasitall 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I no longer have a VCR and have been having a hard time finding one lately, and when I do, they fall apart within months at best.
Also, there is no TIVO available where I presently live. I wish!
It would be great if networks showed their videos online or made them available to youtube. That would definitely solve the problem.
2007-09-06 11:08:40 · update #1
I would not have asked this question if honesty was the way to resolve this problem. Unfortunately the guilty individuals do tend to get their feelings hurt and sulk for days, and that would be counterproductive, because they I would feel too guilty to be able to fully enjoy the rest of the show.
2007-09-06 11:11:02 · update #2
I guess the most diplomatic way to go about it is to make it sound like your problem. Tell them, "I'm sorry, but I'm absolutely addicted to "My Favorite Show," and I just go nuts if I miss a minute of it. But I've really been dying to talk to you, so just as soon as this is over, we'll have a chat." Or "We really do need to talk about this issue, so I'll come hunt you down as soon as this is over." Or, "Would you like to sit and watch with me? I'm sure you'll love it, too. We can catch up during the commercials and then really talk when it's over." But if you preface it with how you're addicted to the show, it makes it sound like "your problem."
2007-09-06 11:44:55 · answer #1 · answered by JenV 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, I hate when people do that. My aunt is a repeat offender. Anyway, just comment briefly on whatever they said and then draw their attention back to the show, like this: "Oh, that's nice. Look what's about to happen!" That will usually give them the hint to shut up, but they won't feel slighted because all you'll look like is a person with their best interests at heart, who wanted to point out something interesting on a TV show for them. Luck!
2007-09-06 10:01:00 · answer #2 · answered by fizzygurrl1980 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what you could say, but I have an idea. If you have a VCR, put a blank tape in and get it ready for recording. If someone walks in the room and starts blabbing, hit the record button and mute the tv. When their done blabbing you can go back and watch what you missed.
2007-09-06 10:02:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
My dad does that to me ALL the time. I usually just answer him quick then stare back the TV or turn the volume up. I dont think its being anymore rude than what he is being. He knows what my favorite shows are..
BTW im 34 and my dad lives with me, im not some sassy teenager.. lol
2007-09-06 10:06:20 · answer #4 · answered by sea_sher 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could always do what my husband does and tune them out. Once we've asked or said something a couple of times and he continues to stare at the tv and not respond, we give up. It's frustrating, but seems to work for him!
Good luck!
2007-09-06 10:03:15 · answer #5 · answered by mamarat 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
How about alittle honesty...say hey can I chat you later I'm right in the middle of something here...just give me 20 minutes or so..it's almost over.
2007-09-06 10:07:22 · answer #6 · answered by gr8ful_one 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get TiVo so you can hit the pause button or record the show and watch it when they aren't around.
Or politely say, "Can we talk about this when my show is over and I can give you my attention better?".
2007-09-06 10:06:23 · answer #7 · answered by jkc 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Turn the volume up and sneer at them. If they had any commondecency they wuld realise otr kknow what they are doin wrong nd try 2 helpp..xxxxxxxXxD..;d.Ff
2007-09-06 10:02:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
tell them that you would like to watch this show without them disturbing you but dont get angry at them but if all else fails kick them in the shins
2007-09-06 10:03:54 · answer #9 · answered by jess f 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
try taping the show and watching it another time when people arent around.
2007-09-06 10:32:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋