Use Judgment With Cell Phone

Dear Ann Landers: Your readers should be informed about mobile phone abuse. They must be made to understand that a mobile phone is not a toy. Just because it can be carried everywhere, does not mean it should be in constant use.

I have many clients, and often, I must give them directions to my home. People with cellular phones are a new breed of idiot. They never write down the information. They just drive a few blocks, call me again and say, “Was I supposed to turn right or left at this intersection?” Then, the phone rings again, and I’ll hear, “I just turned onto your street. What’s the number?” Another ring and “Where am I supposed to park?”

All these interruptions are unfair to the client I am working with. I am sick to death of these cellular phone morons. Any ideas on how to eliminate them? - Helen in Houston

Dear Helen: “They” cannot be “eliminated,” but you can circumvent them by turning your phone off or letting your answering machine pick up. If you miss a few calls, so what? It’s better than ulcers or high blood pressure. P.S. The client you are with is entitled to your full attention. Keep reading for more on this subject:

Dear Ann Landers: I just attended a three-day seminar for teachers. I was amazed at the number of cellular phones that rang during the presentation. The presenter was patient and polite and ignored the persistent ringing, but many of us found it distracting and rude.

What is the etiquette about the presence of cellular phones? Please give us some guidelines. - Oxnard, Calif.

Dear Oxnard: Unless you are a physician or expecting an emergency call, cellular phones should be turned off during meetings or in any setting where they might be disruptive.

Dear Ann Landers: I am getting married for the first time at age 37. Family is important to me, so I asked my “Aunt Clara” to be my maid of honor. When I went shopping for my wedding gown, I invited Aunt Clara to come along and help me select one. She agreed and brought her 16-year-old daughter, “Dotty.” The girl is dating a 19-year-old boy who has proposed. At the very first bridal store, the two of them took off and started to look at wedding dresses for Dotty. They completely ignored me. The same thing happened at the next store.

Later that week, I called my grandmother and told her what happened. Grandma called Aunt Clara, who wrote me a letter saying she could no longer be my maid of honor because of our lack of communication. I called Aunt Clara to thank her for her letter and agreed that she should step down. She then told me I was self-centered and immature and needed to grow up.

My mother and other family members see nothing wrong with Aunt Clara’s behavior. My friends and my fiance, however, think she was shockingly rude. Am I immature, like she said? Please settle this. - San Mateo, Calif.

Dear San Mateo: The trouble started when you phoned your grandmother and told her what happened. This was not your grandmother’s business. Unfortunately, your grandmother’s loose lip alerted Aunt Clara, who must be a case of arrested development. (Sounds like loose lips run in the family.)

Anyone who writes to me is in danger of getting advice. Here’s yours: Do less talking, and stop looking for justification when things don’t go your way. (Did you say you were 37 years old?)