The One You're With

Post Date

Thu, 01/09/2014 - 05:00

Categories

Lifestyle

It has become an all-too-frequent scene. I notice across the restaurant a couple enjoying a nice quiet dinner. Then I see the smart phones, either on the table or in the hands of one (or both) of the diners. “What could possibly be so important?” I wonder.
And then the lyrics of Stephen Stills flow melodically through my mind. “...and if you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with.”
I am tempted to go over to them and sing the lyrics - but I have an awful singing voice and it would be unfair to others in the restaurant.
A long time ago,before smart phones and texting, we visited a very fancy restaurant that asked us to check our cell phones. I think the policy was to prevent annoying other diners as one would speak.
Perhaps we should check our smart phones (literally or figuratively) and love the one we’re with.

Comments

Fred Klein

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I have an upcoming blog on the subject of being "Disconnected"

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I totally agree. Smart or any phone is not meant to be at the table, especially at a restaurant in public. We have become a "connected" society and I personally think meal times and bedrooms are no place for the phone. If I am paying my hard earned money to enjoy a special meal out, I don't need to be part of the next tables conversation. Just my two cents. Dan Schwartz

David Abeshouse

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ALSO, HAVE YOU EVER NOTICED THAT PEOPLE TALKING ON CELL PHONES ALWAYS SEEM TO BE SHOUTING? Sorry, I'll revert to my "indoors" voice. Somehow, people seem to think that one needs to yell to be heard through those little devices. Perhaps when the quality of audio transmission becomes uniformly good (it's still uneven), people won't assume the need to shout to be heard on a cell device.

Riva Schwartz

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Using you phone, either voice or text, and not interacting with your dinner partners is just plain rude - why don't most people get that?

Liz Saldana

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My husband and I once went to a restaurant that was so loud we had to text each other to decide on which appetizers to share. We wouldn't have stayed; but we went to hear the band. So other than an event where you can't hear the other person speaking, I agree with everyone else. Checking (or worse) using your phone while you're with some one is rude to them and a lost opportunity for you.

Corey Bearak

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First off, the issue raised involves the use of the devices, not the presence. If someone read a book, wrote something, left the table to go use a payphone or a house phone" frequently might folk feel similarly offended or bothered. The activity not the device should be at issue.
Instead of singing LTWYW - I believe a fave sentiment of tribal co-leader, why not have the tune or YouTube on your phone and play it when it makes sense. For your convenience: http://tiny.cc/qk3k9w.