Community Chat

[beach-mom]

DH and I went to an informal family restaurant tonight. The restaurant was about 1/3 full. We were sitting and talking while we waited for our food. 

A lady came in by herself and sat a few tables away. After she ordered she propped her phone up and proceeded to watch a show or movie, with the volume turned up. The people at the next table turned and looked, but she paid no attention. We could hear words, but couldn't tell what she was watching.

Her server had to bend down closely to hear her requests. She got her food and continued to watch. 

We could hear each other and our server, so it was almost like someone was dining with her, but talking loudly.

There were a lot of looks, but no one said anything. And of course the servers in that area didn't either.

She left before we did.

I have eaten in restaurants by myself many times. I have never watched anything on my phone without turning it to mute and using CC. 

Would you have said anything? I was secretly a little annoyed, but I think we did the right thing tonight by not saying anything. 

[spumoni99]

She shoud have used her headphones that is just rude.  You were right not to say anything she may have made a scene.  If she has no manners in that regard who knows how she would react.

[Susan Louise]

The only thing I have to say...

As the years pass, there is less and less consideration for others.

Some days I honestly don't think it even exists anymore.

What used to be common...expected, it doesn't exist in so many situations.

[Kachina624]

I would have done just what you did. Just pretend she's with the a companion with a loud voice. Be glad she wasn't a rock music fan. It can be lonely eating alone in a restaurant

[Tallgal]

The restaurant manager should have handled this situation. Very disruptive to the other customers dining in the restaurant. I would not confront anyone as we are living in a strange world. I was at the library yesterday, there was a man using his speaker phone. The library employee told this man that it was against library policy to use the speaker phone.

[Meowingkitty]

I was in the waiting room of my dermatologist earlier this year and this  woman was watching a horror movie with the sound turned up. All we could hear was screams and dialogue. People were looking and seemed annoyed but nobody did a thing. 

[JeanLouiseFinch]

The manager should have stepped in.  Since the restaurant was only 1/3 full, if I was really bothered by the woman's inconsiderate behavior I might have asked to move to a different table further away. 

[Goodie2shoes]

  I agree with others that the restaurant manager should have said something. It was very inconsiderate of the customer

[Oznell]

I believe you did the right thing, @beach-mom ,  which I would expect, knowing your sense of discretion.

I agree that a good manager could have handled it, tactfully and unobtrusively in all likelihood. Have noticed that managers seem more and more, not to be able to take matters in hand.  Lack of confidence, or training perhaps, in handling stickier situations.

It feels a bit sad that she did this.  There's a long, honorable tradition of lone diners, eating in splendor in public!  Savoring food, subtle people-watching, perusing a favorite book-- all can be done quietly and without disturbing one's neighbors.