Dear Annie: My friend can’t put her phone down!
Dear Annie: I have a good friend, and we go to a lot of places together.
Whenever we arrive at our destination, she texts someone. When we are about to leave to go home, she texts somebody.
During the intermission of a show, she texts somebody. We are both widowed seniors. I think she is texting her children. I find this totally unnecessary and kind of rude!
Do her kids need to know her every move and whereabouts every time we change locations? I tell someone where I’m going and that’s it, until I’m home safely. — Baffled Widow
Dear Baffled: Your friend’s constant texting can indeed seem unnecessary and intrusive, especially during your outings.
However, consider that she might feel comforted by keeping in regular contact with her children or that they might feel better knowing their mother is safe and sound.
It’s worth having a gentle conversation with her about how you feel. Express that while you understand her need to stay connected, it sometimes disrupts your time together.
Ideally, this will lead to a middle ground that works for both of you. Communication is key to maintaining your friendship while respecting each other’s boundaries.
Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.
“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].