It’s Not Always About You, You Know

My mother was in the hospital, sharing a room with another woman. While I was visiting, my father called, and my mother, who is hard of hearing, put him on speakerphone.

Father: “Did you eat?”

Mother: “I had some mashed potatoes for lunch.”

Woman: “I haven’t received my lunch yet!”

Father: “What did the doctors say?”

Woman: “They haven’t been in yet.”

Woman’s Daughter: “Mom, she’s not talking to you.”

Woman: “Yes, she is.”

Me: “She is on the phone, [Woman].”

My mother gave him a rundown of what her doctor had said.

Woman: “No, they didn’t say anything!”

Woman’s Daughter: “Mom, she’s on the phone. She’s not talking to you.”

Woman: “Yes, she is!”

Mother: “No, I’m not.”

Woman: “Oh. Well, why didn’t you say so?”

Mother: “[Woman], I’m on the phone with my husband.”

Woman: “I think you should announce that you’re going to be on the phone!”

Woman’s Daughter: “Mom! She doesn’t have to tell you anything. Please—”

Woman: “It’s respectful!”

Me: “So is minding your own business.”

She was quiet for the rest of the call.