Originally posted by Rondec A friend who is near is better than a brother far away. I find it more than rude when those who are in the company of "supposed" friends find it necessary to check out of the conversation in order to spend time either texting, checking e mails, etc. My family gathered at Christmas time last year and my sister spent an hour on her laptop "facebooking" while the rest of us conversed and had fun. Occasionally she would interject a comment to show she was listening, but to me it was emblematic of a deeper problem.
I have no problem with social networking sites, but I am not naive either and realize that when a person spends an hour or two a day on them, something will have to suffer as a result. What I have seen is that it is time for friends and family that are close by that ends up suffering.
Um, since when did I make a single mention of anyone in the company of "supposed" friends?
I also find that rude at times depending on the situation. Friends can often do their own thing while in each others company. If you can't, at times, then I'd question the "supposed" friendship (as you put it).
I've also found it rude when my cousin would vanish at Christmas gatherings and head off to read a book. Well, I'd find it rude then but have learnt more understanding and tolerance now. I respect others choices much more and don't see a point in judging someone else or getting myself upset or stressed out over what someone else chooses to do. It would be rude for me to not respect their choice.
Does the behaviour you mention actually interfere with you? Would you like it to be different and is making it different within your control? Unfortunately, there are unreasonably high expectations of Christmas gatherings at times. Some of us have learnt that the hard way. Issues with family members often run deeper than specific situations.
Yes there are times for "other" things. Same deal with anything isn't it? You might even get a complaint from a wife whose husband spends way too much time going out with his camera and taking photos when she thinks he should be spending more time with her. Choose your balance that best suits your own "environment".