Picture This

Dear Alisa and Gina,

Last night my husband and I went out for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. A family sitting a couple of tables away starting taking flash pictures, mostly of their baby. I wouldn’t have minded if they took a few pictures, but they must have taken a few dozen. The flash was distracting and disturbing. Should we have asked the waiter to say something? Or said something ourselves? ~ Annoyed

Dinner with the baby on Valentine’s Day? That’s actually very sweet. Clearly they were feeling the love for their little one. (Must be an only child.) Look, there will always be situations when people act inappropriately with their children. My pet peeve is diaper changing in public. And in both situations I would say – just look away – it will be over very soon. ~ Gina

Before you speak up I think you need to think about what outcome you hope for. You are hoping to have a romantic dinner. That actually may have nothing to do with anyone around you. The best way may just be to stay focused on your husband. If you can keep your full attention on your own companion all the distractions and annoyances around you will sink into the background. ~ Alisa