DEAR ABBY: I ran into a friend at the chiropractor's, and he persuaded me to change my plans and not go to the movies but to join him on a walk on the beach. We set plans to meet by the beach and, as I was approaching the street corner, I saw him not wait for me but cross the street while he was on his phone.
When I finally caught up with him, he was chatting with a mutual friend. There was nothing urgent about the call, but he stayed on his phone. I asked repeatedly, "Are you really planning to stay on your phone while we're going on this walk?" I know he heard me, and our mutual friend on the phone heard me. He continued to talk, so I turned around and left.
I thought he was extremely rude and I deserve an apology. I also think the person on the phone with him should apologize as well. The thing about this friend is, he never apologizes for anything. What do I do now? -- ALL TALK, NO WALK IN CALIFORNIA
DEAR ALL TALK: The acquaintance who dissuaded you from going to the movie so you could walk together was rude. He made clear that whoever he was on the phone with was more important to him than you are. Because he "never apologizes for anything," do not expect one. Instead, spend your time with people who are socially sensitive, practice basic good manners and who don't waste your time like this one did.