Dear Amy: Recently I enjoyed a visit from my grandson, who is in college. We had lunch together in a restaurant.
While chatting and ordering, I noticed he was also sending and receiving text messages.
I’m big on manners, so I mentioned I thought it was rude to text when you are with someone, especially at a meal or having a conversation.
He agreed it was rude to talk on a cellphone in those instances but said he was listening to me all the while so he thought it was not rude.
Are there new rules for all the new technology, or am I just old-school? — Grandma
Dear Grandma: Here are the rules concerning grandchildren texting at the table: If your Grammy says that something you’re doing is rude, then you should stop doing it and not countermand her by saying, “No Gram; you’re wrong. Talking on your phone while at the table is rude, but texting is most certainly not rude.” When spending time with grandparents, the elder — not the younger — should be permitted to set the standard.
Sending and receiving text messages while with a companion at dinner is the same as reading a magazine and writing a postcard at the table. There is nothing wrong with doing these things solo, but your companion shouldn’t have to watch.
If the texter claims to be able to multitask and read, write, listen, talk and eat all at the same time, then the texter has obviously never been with someone distracted by text messages. People who send and receive text messages while trying to also have a conversation often look up from their little screens wearing a glazed expression and say, “Huh?”
“Huh” doesn’t qualify as holding up your end of the conversation.
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