DEAR HARRIETTE: I hate having my picture taken, but some of my friends couldn't care less. It seems like every time I turn my head, one of them is snapping away. I don’t like it, and don’t feel like I should have to accept it all the time. I want to cut off social media and phones when people visit me. It’s one thing to be at an event where photos are being snapped and quite another to allow it everywhere. Do you think it’s reasonable for me to have a no-paparazzi rule in my home? -- Cut It Out, Pittsburgh
DEAR CUT IT OUT: You have every right to make whatever rules you desire in your own home. You can require people to put their cellphones and other electronic devices in a basket at the front door when they arrive. Let them know that you want your time together to be without the intrusion of social media or the myriad distractions that come from holding a little computer in your hand.
Add that you do not appreciate being photographed and posted about without your permission. Tell them you love them but want to be clear about boundaries. Do not scold them; just be clear. Then create a warm and loving environment for your friends. If they have a good time, they may come to share your view -- at least a little bit -- about being in the moment, free of distraction.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)