'Ask Debbie Sue' Dating advice with author & comedian Debbie Sue Goodman

I received many letters from my readers about the topic of my last column- ‘Cell phone etiquette.’ There are a lot of people out there that feel the same way about picture taking in restaurants. There’s a time and place to take photos and not interrupt people while they're eating in restaurants or any other places where privacy should be respected.

Here’s a letter from one of my readers regarding this topic.

Dear Debbie Sue: “I read your columns about photos and cell phone etiquette, and agree with you completely. I’ve been dating a guy for a couple of months that is nice to me in most ways, but he recently bought a new phone with a camera that he uses everywhere he goes! The other night we were out to dinner, and he took photos of all the women in the restaurant. While we ate, he offered some of his food to the table next to us, where 3 single women were having dinner. He asked if they were single and if he could take their picture! It made me feel like he’d rather be with them instead of me. He takes photos outside while walking to the car and eyes all the women when we’re at concerts and takes their photos! Sometimes he doesn’t ask them and he just snaps away. Lately, I only enjoy our time together when we’re alone in his apartment on weekends. He pays more attention to me. Last week he took his cell phone into the shower! When I asked why he did that, he said he needed to check his e-mails while he was getting ready. I’m thinking of ending our relationship but he’s an ok guy most of the time. I don’t appreciate him staring at other women while he’s out with me and taking their photos. Not sure what to do.” Cathy

Dear Cathy, This guy is very rude. Snapping photos of other women while he's with you, is very inconsiderate. If he takes their pictures while you’re on a dinner date or anywhere you go, it's just simply un-called for. He sounds like he needs ‘attention’ and he’s immature. If the only time you have his attention is when you’re alone, then I would certainly speak to him about his behavior. If he recently just started this rudeness, because he bought a new phone, then tell him your feelings. Tell him you miss the way he treated you before he bought his new phone. I would certainly tell him he’s hurting your feelings by ‘eyeing’ other women and taking their photos while he’s on a date with you. If he continues and doesn’t respect your feelings, I would move on and find someone else. There’s plenty of men out there that will enjoy your company and give you their ‘full attention’ without a cell phone in sight. Good luck to you!

With Valentine’s day coming up, a few readers shared their funny dating experiences they had on cupid’s holiday. I’m enclosing a funny date I had with a guy I knew in college. He took me out for a wonderful breakfast and brought me lovely roses. We had a fun conversation on the phone before our date.

He said, “Let's get a BIG BREAKFAST!” I said, “Ok.” He said, “BEAUTIFUL day. The sun is BRIGHT!” “I said, “It is.” He replied, “Go for BAGELS? Or, BACON, eggs with BREAD & BUTTER?”I replied, “Either is fine.” He said, “And BLUEBERRY muffins?” I said, “Ok.” He continued, “I’ll BE over soon. He arrived with lovely roses. I thanked him, put them in a vase and we left. He said, "Let's ride around the BLOCK a BIT. In the restaurant he told the waiter, “First, BRING us some BREAKFAST cereals.” He asked what I'd like on the cereal. I replied, “BANANAS..”

In the summer, This same guy invited me to a 'BACKYARD BARBECUE' at his apartment. He served, BABY BACK ribs..

Until next time.. ‘Keep Smiling.’

Debbie Sue

www.stillsingle.org

Send comments & questions to: debrasue-60076@msn.com