# Cellphones at dinner

Category: Cell Phone Talk

## Post 1 by Dolce Eleganza (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Thursday, 21-Mar-2013 5:00:33

Hello, What do you think of answering your phone at dinner or when you are spending quality time with someone? Don't you think they can leave a voicemail and if it's that important, you'll reach them as soon as possible? jees!

## Post 2 by SilverLightning (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Thursday, 21-Mar-2013 8:30:49

Depends on he importance of the call What if you're looking for a job and you get a call from a prospective employer while you're watching tv with your girlfriend? Id say you should answer that.

## Post 3 by Smiling Sunshine (I've now got the bronze prolific poster award! now going for the silver award!) on Thursday, 21-Mar-2013 8:38:53

Depends on who's calling and what's going on. For example, we had some medical drama going on with my dad last week so I answered calls at any time because I needed to be available. I might answer the phone during dinner but I'm also going to tell whom ever it is that we're eating and I'll call them back, unless of course, I'm up to my elbows in Buffalo sauce. lol In that instance, it's voicemail all the way.

## Post 4 by AgateRain (Believe it or not, everything on me and about me is real!) on Thursday, 21-Mar-2013 10:10:31

If it's just a friend calling during dinner, then no, I will not answer my phone, but in emergency situations, I will. Besides, why would you wanna talk while you're eating anyway? I focus more on my food than the conversation. lol

## Post 5 by CrazyMusician (If I don't post to your topic, it's cuz I don't give a rip about it!) on Thursday, 21-Mar-2013 10:35:38

I agree. There is no reason to answer phone calls or check your texts during mealtimes or dates or generally important quality time unless, like DG's instance, there is a pressing reason to do so. I admit I ahve been guilty of not following this myself at times... but one CAN do without one's cell phone for an hour or two every now and then...

## Post 6 by Shadow_Cat (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Thursday, 21-Mar-2013 11:26:01

I generally don't answer my phone during dinner, or while doing something else pressing. However, there are always those exceptions as others have mentioned. Incidentally, wouldn't this belong on the rant board?

## Post 7 by Runner229 (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Thursday, 21-Mar-2013 11:59:25

I don't ever answer the phone at dinner because it's a time where I don't want to be bothered. Then again I haven't had anyone call with an emergency or really had anything to wait for so those are good defenses for doing so.

## Post 8 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Thursday, 21-Mar-2013 12:12:19

This is one of those pet peeves of mine that the teenagers will often do, including when they are asking you for help, they get a call and must immediately grab their phone ... where's my phone? My phone! and it's a battle to keep them on task. Like others have said, there are always exceptions but I think the original poster is talking more about the phenomenon many of us complain about with younger people and their phones! Granted, I will be on my phone doing things when eating or whatever, but not on a call. Maybe Twitter or doing something, provided I'm by myself or everyone else is doing something else.

## Post 9 by Dave_H (the boringest guy you'll ever know) on Thursday, 21-Mar-2013 12:35:54

I turn off the phone and computer during family time; your call is not an emergency; thanks for leaving a voice mail. If Hubby and I are at home, each doing his own thing, I'll grab it if I feel like answering. Same goes for the landline, BTW.

## Post 10 by Dolce Eleganza (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Thursday, 21-Mar-2013 13:50:09

Yes, there are exceptions, no doubt.

## Post 11 by GreenTurtle (Music is life. Love. Vitality.) on Thursday, 21-Mar-2013 18:26:14

As has already been stated, there are appropriate times to do that, but in general, I don't answer my phone when I'm eating dinner, or spending quality time with someone. And I do agree that people are way too attached to their phones. As soon as a text, tweet, email, etc. comes in, they have to jump on it right away as if everything that happens is an emergency. No wonder so many people are prone to excessive drama! Treating every status update like it's the end of the world can have that effect on a person. This is due to the innovation of smartphones--since you have everything you could possibly want in the palm of your hand, I guess people just assume that they need to have it practically glued to their hand at all times. When I had Facebook, I checked it once a day, if that. My email, I check twice or three times a day, but that's because I'm on quite a few email lists, and not flushing out my inbox frequently would quickly turn into a huge mess. As for my phone, I usually do carry it with me, but if I'm in the middle of doing something when a call or text comes through, I won't immediately drop everything just to see what it is unless, of course, it is a genuine emergency, which thankfully is a very rare occurrence.

## Post 12 by forereel (Just posting.) on Thursday, 21-Mar-2013 19:50:31

If I am out on a date I am likely not going to get a call from a prospective job. If we are just sitting around, hanging out, sure, answer your phone and even have a conversation if you like, because we are just hanging.
I have kids, so when I was out I'd put my phone on a special ringer, or vibrate, and if it rang more then once on that ringer I would excuse myself, because that call was one of these exceptions , I do this now. Other wise, I don't text, answer, email, tweet, or anything except call a taxi or something.
I see people out all the time and they will be both on the phone in some way. I wonder why they brought each other? Lol
They could have saved some money and just texted from home.
Now I sometimes will send teasing text to the person, but that is play. I don't text anyone else.

## Post 13 by rdfreak (THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE-BLUE KANGA-KICKIN AUSIE) on Thursday, 21-Mar-2013 22:32:15

Yes agree with everyone else; generally no answering the phone unless of emergencies and definitely job offers.
If I applied for a job for example, there's no way my phone is going to be turned off.

## Post 14 by Dolce Eleganza (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Friday, 22-Mar-2013 2:27:29

wow! I am amazed at your thinking! lets just put it this way. Enjoy the people you have around while you have them ¢¾

## Post 15 by softy5310 (Fuzzy's best angel) on Friday, 22-Mar-2013 2:28:28

Hi,
I don't answer my phone and/or text at dinner, or in general, unless I want to or if there's an emergency. I consider the phone to be annoying, generally. I'm one of the sort of old-fashioned people on this topic. Growing up in the 90's and later 80's, cell phones were not even around. Or if they were, they wer exclusively car phones, which plugged into your car and stayed there. I miss the days of land-lines and answering machines. I think people are way too atached to technology and computers. I don't check my email all the time, either. I have other things to do than to be on my phone/computer all the time. I was one of the rare teenagers who hated cell phones. My parents had to force me to have a phone at 17, when I went away for a work experience program for six weeks and they chose to buy me a cell phone. I told them I'd only have one if they paid for it because I wasn't about to pay for the thing. I was angry at them for buying me a phone. I couldn't understand why I had to have one. The place I was staying at had a land line and they could call and check on me once a week or something. I had calling cards, so could call home if I had to. I didn't want to talk to my parents anyway because my parents and I didn't get along, so I rarely used my cell phone. I used it only for emergencies. I miss being able to walk out the door and having no one be able to get a hold of me, unless they leave a message on my land line. Sometimes, I purposefully leave my cell at home when I go somewhere. I get sick of having to have it on me and of the importance people place on them. Sure, I love my phone and texting is fun and even useful. I know that now. Computers too, have their place. But I sure as heck wouldn't die without a cell phone or even a computer. My ex, Herbie, used to say I was born in the wrong generation because in some ways, I'm rather old-fashioned in my thinking and am relatively simple-minded. That's one of them.
Take Care,
Dawnielle

## Post 16 by write away (The Zone's Blunt Object) on Friday, 22-Mar-2013 2:42:08

Every other weekend or so, my partner and I try to go out on a date, just the two of us, since we dont' get that opportunity so often now that our baby's here. During those times, my phone is turned off or on vibrate, and there's no way anyone's going to interrupt my quality time with him, since we have little of it to spare. I only respond to phone calls during dinner or quality time with my son or partner if there is a family emergency. I dont' even think that a job opportunity constitutes an immediate response. A professional will leave a voice mail and I'll get back to them in short order. They can wait a few minutes whileI rap up my dinner or patiently listen to my son learn to talk, or catch up with my partner and see how his day has been.
Job offers will come and go, but your kids grow up and people you love get older. time flies, so make the best of it while you can, quality time with your family and loved ones is the one thing you can never get back if you miss it. It's the one regret you'll likely have on your deathbed; You'll think of that rather then fretting over a few phone calls you missed.
If it's so important, that's what voice mail is for.

## Post 17 by Siriusly Severus (The ESTJ 1w9 3w4 6w7 The Taskmaste) on Friday, 22-Mar-2013 2:48:17

dinner isn't such a bit thing for us and besides I am too nice not to answer anyway, so I generally do, and it is depending on who is calling sometimes I talk sometimes I give them a timeframe and promise a return call. sometimes I eat in my room so yeah, I eat and talk or Skype and eat.

## Post 18 by softy5310 (Fuzzy's best angel) on Friday, 22-Mar-2013 3:26:00

I agree with you, write away. I too treasure time with the people I consider family over phone calls. I am of the mindset that if people don't leave a message, you don't get a call back. If it's important, and you wanna talk, leave a message. You don't leave a message, I won't call back. The only time I answered calls anytime, day or night, was when my best friend had a brain aneurysm a couple of years ago. i wasn't sleeping well, so it didn't matter if she called me at three in the morning freaking out. She could have died, so that was an emergency situation.
Take Care,
Dawnielle

## Post 19 by write away (The Zone's Blunt Object) on Friday, 22-Mar-2013 8:22:55

Yeah. well, a brain anyurism definitely constitutes an emergency.
But to the poster before this one, how rude to eat while skyping. I just think that's distasteful. Who wants to see anyone snarfing down while talking to them. It's too bad when people dont' treasure free time with those they care about. Dinner is a perfect time for people to catch up, regroup; Everyone's eating anyways, so why not turnit into quality time. Growing up, my family never took that to heart. there was no such thing as dinner time, or any sitdown mealtime together except on special occasions, anually. I would have liked that. I only learned that peopel do that on a regular basis from other familys, and now I make sure that my own little family gets that chance.

## Post 20 by chelslicious (like it or not, I'm gonna say what I mean. all the time.) on Friday, 22-Mar-2013 10:26:59

I'm in agreement with Bernadetta. as someone who also grew up in a family who never treasured quality time, it was through other families that I took to heart its value. so, no, I don't answer my phone when spending time with someone I care about, unless it's an emergency. nothing else is that important. if it's a potential employer, they can leave a message and I'll call them back.

## Post 21 by forereel (Just posting.) on Sunday, 24-Mar-2013 0:53:44

I don't have to leave my phone anyplace not to answer it. Many times I'll have it with me, it rings or vibrates and I'll ignore it completely.
Cellphones are great devices for alerts. You can put the people you really need to talk to on an alert that if they call it twice they really need you. Otherwise, when sharing for time you can let it stay on, but put it on vibrate so you are alerted but it doesn't get in the way at all.
Voicemail and such things were created for this purpose.
I sometimes will not answer a phone, land line or other if I am spending a quality day with a loved one as well. I don't wake up in the middle of the night unless I get that call twice. I tell my people they can call me anytime and if I answer we talk, if not we don't.

## Post 22 by rdfreak (THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE-BLUE KANGA-KICKIN AUSIE) on Sunday, 24-Mar-2013 23:22:49

wow Dolce.Eleganza, I have no idea what you meant by your previous post, but some people are trying to find work you know. Lol I know you're only 19 so you're prob not in that situation yet.

## Post 23 by rdfreak (THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE-BLUE KANGA-KICKIN AUSIE) on Sunday, 24-Mar-2013 23:24:01

ah yes and re the eating, it's gross. I often get customers talking to me while they're eating; it's disgusting! I'd never do that!

## Post 24 by jessmonsilva (Taking over the boards, one topic at a time.) on Monday, 25-Mar-2013 2:15:57

I'll admit I'm one of these people constantly attached to my phone. However, dinner time is like one of the few times I don't have it with me. I have it with me most other times though, partially because I hear music with it and things like that. But yes, I do just about everything with my phone and if the cell towers went down and the internet disappeared I don't know what would happen to me, you can only go to so many places before wanting to do something else, and I also like to stay connected with people. so I guess I'm one of these people who needs to put down her phone, lol.

## Post 25 by TechnologyUser2012 (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Monday, 25-Mar-2013 19:04:44

I am quite attached to my phone also. lol. but. if I'm having a meal with someone I care about i will let calls go to voice mail.

## Post 26 by forereel (Just posting.) on Monday, 25-Mar-2013 19:43:21

Ah, but if it is dinner time no job will call and expect a reply right away. Dinner time is usually after 5 or near about so.
If a girl picks up her phone and easy fix is to tease her in to putting it up. "I'm not interesting enough honey?" Lol Works like a charm.

## Post 27 by Animal metal (I'm a martian) on Wednesday, 27-Mar-2013 20:23:11

ma chicken and tacos first. lol

## Post 28 by LeoGuardian (You mean there is something outside of this room with my computer in it?) on Thursday, 28-Mar-2013 13:32:54

I always tell people to make sure they're the master and technology is the slave. That is the natural order of things, as it were.
So, to that end, I want to bring up a feature of recent iPhone updates, and probably Android has it, or has had it for some time.
It's called Do Not Disturb. Mine is automatically on from 10 PM to 6 AM. But you can turn it on any time you want, and can set it up so that incoming calls from people on your favorites list are allowed through. I haven't tested to see if that applies to texts.
Anyway, that way when you go out, you're in control and don't have to turn the phone off or on Airplane Mode, or anything, but can use it as you need to and just stay on Do Not Disturb for other incomings.
Other than that, use Airplane Mode, it saves your battery, and is often less battery-expensive than turning the phone all the way off and back on again.
Anyway once you know how to manage things, it's like those people who know how to control an animal or something, you know how to act as the master, since master you are, and technology is your slave.

## Post 29 by Thunderstorm (HotIndian!) on Thursday, 28-Mar-2013 21:54:37

I always keep my cell phone in my shirt pocket. So that I don't wana run and search for my phone while it is ringing.
But I make use of the silent mode whenever I am busy. Silent mode is the best feature with the cell phones, I say.
As soon as I'm free, first thing what I do is, will look after my missed calls and missed messages. Depending upon it's importance, I'll respond to them at once.
Raaj

## Post 30 by Runner229 (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Thursday, 28-Mar-2013 23:22:17

Oh--I would never put my phone in a shirt pocket. That is a long, far tumble, especially for a glass smart phone, unless you have the outa box thing. Lol sorry for my ignorance about those things, though I am due for an upgrade soon.

## Post 31 by chelslicious (like it or not, I'm gonna say what I mean. all the time.) on Friday, 29-Mar-2013 8:38:30

I always have my phone with me, but, to use leo's phrasing, I'm the master. I haven't tried out the "do not disturb" feature, yet, but I'm sure it could come in handy.

## Post 32 by forereel (Just posting.) on Friday, 29-Mar-2013 12:26:33

Yes it could be handy. I just silence mine, or as I say, put the really important people on different vibrations. You can feel it vibrate and know exactly who's calling.
Shirt pockets are not created equal, and if you know your phones in your shirt pocket you'll not bend over and drop it. Some even have buttons. Lol
My phone rides in a leather wallet, so if not in my front pants pocket, I have to take it out to pay the bill, or use my loyalty card anyway, so I just put it on the table someplace,forget about it until after dinner.

## Post 33 by JH_Radio (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Saturday, 30-Mar-2013 23:07:00

My phone is usually in my pants pockit on the side. I like my old-school LG 5300 which are easy enough to still find on places like eBay and ReCellular (Haven't checked Amazon.) anyway, if i dont wanna have everybody hearing who is calling or i am busy, i hold the star key down to switch it from normal mode to vibrate mode.

## Post 34 by JH_Radio (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Saturday, 30-Mar-2013 23:10:35

If i am wareing something without a pockit i have a hip case for it, which i need to get a new one.

## Post 35 by Dolce Eleganza (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Tuesday, 09-Apr-2013 16:45:35

I meant, Rachael, that I was amazed at forereel's thinking regarding answering calls while being with a partner... and age does not define experience, just in case you didn't know. Because when I was 16 I began working with babies that have lost there sight since birth and teaching braille to first graders. I would encourage rereading and analysing

## Post 36 by forereel (Just posting.) on Tuesday, 09-Apr-2013 23:40:50

Forereel is lost?
Rachael, that I was amazed at forereel's thinking regarding answering calls while being with a partner...

## Post 37 by JH_Radio (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Tuesday, 09-Apr-2013 23:42:47

I thought you were lost for real... lol
i had to, wayne.

## Post 38 by forereel (Just posting.) on Wednesday, 10-Apr-2013 10:35:52

See, now you can feel smug and pat yourself on the back, and crow and all.
Sho ya right! Smile.

## Post 39 by rdfreak (THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE-BLUE KANGA-KICKIN AUSIE) on Wednesday, 10-Apr-2013 23:03:42

Actually Duls and I have since spoken in quick notes and cleared up the post i'd made in which she thought i'd attacked her; that wasn't my intension at all; far from it. She's a lovely lovely girl. :)
This is the problem with text; so many things can be interpretted the wrong way especially when sadly there is so many immature individuals on here to bring us down, or try too; it gets everyone on guard. Maybe some people need a few more years. It's pure entertainment for some people; that's why I now choose to just ignore such people.

## Post 40 by forereel (Just posting.) on Thursday, 11-Apr-2013 9:49:11

See, that's exactly why you should eat and not be on the Zone at dinner.
Smile.

## Post 41 by basket (knowledge is power) on Thursday, 11-Apr-2013 13:30:20

as stated by someone earlier, I'm usually eating in my room, or when I'm at dorms, there's no one I'm eating with so I am always on either the phone or on Skype.

## Post 42 by JH_Radio (I've now got the silver prolific poster award! wahoo!) on Friday, 12-Apr-2013 21:57:56

I've been known to eat on the phone before. quite often.
but i'm not with people when i'm doing that either.
IE its me , the food, and the phone goin at it. lol .

## Post 43 by Dolce Eleganza (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Thursday, 18-Apr-2013 0:15:30

Thank you, Rachael! See? There's no harm in getting to know me, even if I disagree it doesn't make me a better person, but not less than anyone either. Thank you

## Post 44 by rdfreak (THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE-BLUE KANGA-KICKIN AUSIE) on Thursday, 18-Apr-2013 1:35:04

Everyone is entitled to an opinion whether others agree or not. Lol! it's all good. :)