Texting at the Dinner Table: Thumbs Up or Down?
Are you addicted to texting? Do you text as soon as you get up in the morning, during meetings, in the bathroom, while you're talking to friends, at the dinner table?
Confession: I don't own a Blackberry or an iPhone. I have an old-school cell phone, but I do love texting because it's so much more convenient that making a phone call if I'm running late or have something quick to share. But I'm not one of those people who's constantly keeping up a running dialogue over text. There's a time and a place for everything. Most of all, I absolutely hate when people text, check messages, or -- worst of all -- take calls right at the dinner table. And it looks like others agree with me; the New York Times just came out with a piece on the etiquette for texting at the dinner table, Their conclusion? Don't do it!
I don't care if we're in a four-star restaurant, at a McDonald's or sitting in my dining room. If we're taking the time to eat, drink and have conversation, I think it's rude for my dining companions to be secretly or openly carrying on conversations elsewhere. I know that not everyone agrees with me, though; for some, texting is just a natural part of being social in the 21st century.
What do you think? Texting at dinner -- thumbs up, down, or put away the Blackberry and use your thumbs for a fork and knife?
photo: n. hendrickson/getty images
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I voted Other.
I agree that people shouldn't text at a high class restaurant or family dinner. However, if I'm out at McDonald's or Big Boy with my friend, I do text or surf the Web on my BlackBerry. She also texts on her phone, so no one is offended.
If my companion were offended by my using my phone, then I would not use it. I think it depends on where you are and whom you're with.
I think texting at the dinner table is rude to your fellow diners, it's the same as telling your companion that their company isn't good enough for you or is boring.
Totally agree, Colleen!