Phone’s ‘pocket dial’ rings wrong number

Dear Amy: My friend “Laura” has seemed distant.

She is one from a group of four women who have been friends for a number of years.

When I remarked on Laura’s distance to another friend, she said, “I know why Laura is behaving this way. Do you want to know more?”

She told me that I must have “butt-dialed” and called Laura. Laura told our friend that she heard my husband and me making fun of her son.

I was shocked. If someone had mistakenly dialed me, I would never listen to their private conversation!

Most importantly, I would never make fun of Laura’s son — he is mentally challenged.

Why didn’t she confront me in front of the other friends?

I’m angry that she eavesdropped. Should I bring this up to Laura? — Flummoxed

Dear Flummoxed: For people who use voice-assisted dialing on their phones, the phone can place a call if it hears a prompt. And so, when you were gossiping about “Laura,” your phone automatically connected to her number.

I would totally listen to a call if someone “pocket-dialed” me and I heard my name mentioned. So would you.

And do you want your friend to confront you in front of your entire friend group? No, you don’t.

Yes, “Laura” should have raised this issue with you privately, but what happened is so dramatic, that I can understand why she didn’t.

Even though you deny what you have been accused of saying, you seem to be issuing a “non-denial denial.”

You should talk to Laura, privately, and apologize. Do not blame her for eavesdropping. Ask her to describe what she overheard. Correct any misapprehensions, and ask for her forgiveness.