Just realized I was wrong about the 'no phones at the table' rule after a dinner in Chicago

I was at a small place in Chicago last year, and a guy at the next table pulled out his phone to show his grandma, who was with them, a video of her great-grandkid's first steps. Everyone at their table leaned in, smiling and talking. Before that, I was super strict about no screens during meals, thinking it was rude. Now I see it's not about the device, it's about what you do with it. Has anyone else had a moment that made them rethink a hard rule they had?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_lee13d agoTop Commenter

Ever had a rule you held onto way too tight? I was the same with people being late, like it was a personal insult. Then my best friend had a flat tire rushing to meet me, and I realized stuff just happens sometimes.

the_lee13d agoTop Commenter

My old rule was a 10 minute grace period, then I'd start sending passive aggressive texts. Felt like a time cop handing out parking tickets. The breaking point was when I got mad at my own mom for being 12 minutes late to lunch, and she was stuck behind a garbage truck the whole time. Had to admit I was being a huge jerk about something that usually doesn't matter. Now I just bring a book and chill.

emma_flores13d ago

What's the dumbest rule I ever had? I used to get so mad if someone talked during a movie. Like, full on glare. Then my little nephew kept asking questions during a superhero movie because he was so excited, and his joy was way better than the quiet. I was being a total fun police officer for no reason.