Phone call etiquette
DEAR ANNIE » In the waiting room of a clinic, I had to endure a long onesided conversation by a woman on her cellphone. I can understand getting a call and quietly telling the caller that they will call them back, but people don’t seem to do that.
There were at least 10 people in the waiting room, and we all had to listen to this loud, opinionated person. I was trying to read but gave it up. This went on for at least 10 minutes before I was called into the exam room.
What can I say to people who disrespect others to such an extent? What I wanted to do was go up and rip the phone out of her hand.
— Unbelieving in Oregon
DEAR UNBELIEVING » Most waiting rooms have signs asking people to speak quietly or to keep their cellphone use to a minimum. I’m sure the people behind the desk who work at your clinic were very annoyed by this and that it was not the first time it has happened. Suggest that they put up a sign.
Is it rude and annoying? Yes, absolutely. But sadly, the world is full of inconsiderate people, and the best way to live among them is to live happily. As much as possible, try to ignore it — with earbuds or by going into a Zen-like meditative state, where you are able to block out all outside noise.
DEAR ANNIE » My ex-husband and I have four children and eight grandchildren. We have been together for 40 years, but we have been divorced for 12 years. We have never been apart from each other until recently. He started ghosting me and not answering my texts or calls. We have not lived together for a while but have always stayed connected.
I found him with another woman, and he said they were together. She is letting him drive her new truck, and she has some money with which they go to the casino almost every night.
I’m heartbroken by the way he dumped me for someone else and just couldn’t tell me. He said he still wanted to talk to me because we have kids and grandkids together. I told him to delete my number and wished him a happy life. This has been going on for six weeks. Will it get easier? The other woman is going through a divorce.
— Heartbroken by My Ex
DEAR HEARTBROKEN » It has been 12 years since your divorce, and I’m not really sure why you still are expecting your ex-husband not to find love. He deserves love as much as you do. It is very immature of you to tell him to delete you and have a happy life. The way it will get easier is to really come to terms with your divorce. You have to grieve the marriage and the life that you thought you would have. And move into your own new happy life.
Once you really start to accept the facts, the easier it will be for you to move on. I know it must sting and be difficult, and I am sorry that you are having to deal with this, but when one door closes, another opens. The relationship you had with your ex-husband being more friendly is now over, and your best chance for happiness is to find a new relationship.