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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. (Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.) COPYRIGHT 2025 JUDITH MARTIN DISTRIBUTED BY ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500
