London, December 05: It may be one of the easiest and fastest ways, but it’s bad manners to dump your lover by just sending a text message, say etiquette experts.
According to the experts from from Debrett’s, which publishes the A-Z of Modern Manners, ending a relationship by sending a text message is bad manners and texting is “too heartless” too.
Jo Bryant, an etiquette adviser and blogger for the publishing house, said longer relationships deserve “face-to-face attention and a decent explanation”.
“If it is very early days and you have been on just a few casual dates, then ending it by email or phone is fine.
But texting is too heartless. Do not break up with someone if they have just received bad news or in a stressful situation. Or just before Christmas, their birthday or Valentine’s Day. “Avoid any Twitter tirades but only update your status on Facebook when you are sure it’s over,” Bryant was quoted by the British media as saying.
According to the experts, it is also bad manners to check your mobile phone when having dinner with friends. “People in the flesh deserve more attention than a gadget, so wherever possible ignore your phone in social situations. If you are awaiting an important call, explain at the outset that you will have to take it, and apologise in advance,” Bryant said.
–Agencies