If I see another YouTube video of giggling babies or sad dogs while I want to savor and compliment the cook or receive compliments of a yummy meal, I will have a fit! I don’t need to see the recipe for apple pie with a strudel topping while I am eating a piece of apple pie with strudel topping! The holiday foods are looked forward to all year and I will be damn if it is ruined again by some smart assed know it all smart phone!
Family get to-gethers have revealed to me that an extra “being” is present at the dining table. Discussions and conversations are halted while someone Goggles a fact. Is it me or do others find this uninvited guest, a know it all and annoying presence?
The smart phone or computer/tablet at the table makes checking the user’s Facebook or twitter accounts or email very easy. How many people just check and don’t respond? Can you enforce no electronics at the table? Does it start out that way only to be dashed when the innocent act of looking up a fact escalates to another being at the table and the user is pulled into their online world? What about using the phone to take pictures and then immediately sent to Facebook?
So without having fits, how do you handle this breach in etiquette? Do you just set an extra place setting? Do you enforce the no electronics rule? I love technology, but am I griping like the little old lady I am turning into?
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Add a Comment4 Comments
I must be old and cranky too! I remember when "don't answer a phone call during dinner" was a rule.
I agree, no electronics at the dinner table.
Maryann
January 5, 2012 - 5:12pmThis Comment
Maryann, I remember too, now we just need a broader ban!
January 17, 2012 - 4:40pmThis Comment
OMGosh that is so true! I didn't realize it, but especially during meals there have been the appearance of an IPhone or a Droid to prove someone wrong or show a funny video on youtube! I am guilty of doing this sometimes but you are right, just having a normal dinner conversation is much better.
January 5, 2012 - 3:08pmThis Comment
Jkoi, It creeps up on us!
January 17, 2012 - 4:39pmThis Comment