Copyright The Oregonian
DEAR MISS MANNERS: A cousin and his wife, who are close to me, have an annoying habit of click-clicking on their phones while we are talking. I am about 20 years older than them. I have a background in the arts and culture, and was once known as a trivia whiz, which I don’t publicize. But this couple constantly fact-checks everything I say. And when they “correct” me, they are not always using accurate websites. I think this is rude, and, as a former editor, I learned a long time ago to keep my mouth shut. What is the best way to handle this? I am sure others have the same problem. GENTLE READER: There is no fighting with the internet. Miss Manners suggests you not even try. What you can do is stop talking while your cousin and his wife are click-clicking, telling them that you will pause while they attend to what must be important. When they inevitably tell you what it is -- fact-checking -- you may sheepishly say, “I thought we were just having a conversation.” It may not successfully shame them, but it will make you feel a bit better.
