Lunch with a mobile phone

Lunch with a mobile phone

Have you ever had lunch with a mobile phone? Let me explain. My son and I recently stopped at a coffee shop on Jl. Wijaya I on our way home from school for something to eat. Seated a few tables from us were four very well dressed young people. During the course of our snack, one lady received at least 10 phone calls.

Whilst I appreciate what one does with their mobile phone is entirely one's own business, I would ask that people have a little more consideration for those around trying to enjoy their time, without being constantly disturbed by the ringing of a phone. Surely a polite "I am having lunch, can you call back later?" or better still, simply disconnect the phone while you eat.

Spare a thought for the friends you are supposedly lunching with. Surely they would enjoy your company much more than listening to incessant ringing followed by animated telephone conversations. It is really impolite, is it not?

Whilst I appreciate the convenience of such "technology," it need not take over certain fundamental courtesies one can display in a public place. We have smoking and non-smoking sections in most restaurants. Do we really need a mobile phone user section and a non user section? Please let us eat in peace.

B.M. ROESTENBURG

Jakarta