Pricey Eric: I’ve pals who’ve Alexa of their properties, and I perceive that Alexa is a invaluable instrument when used as indicated. I additionally perceive that it “listens” to any dialog carried on in its presence. This bothers me, as a result of we regularly have intimate and/or skilled conversations.
Is that this a reputable concern, or am I being paranoid. Additionally, if it’s a reputable concern, how do I tackle my considerations with pals?
– No Eavesdropping
Pricey No Eavesdropping: With out getting too within the weeds in regards to the ins and outs of good gadgets, Alexa and gadgets like Google Assistant and Siri, are designed to pay attention for his or her “wake” phrase after which report, analyze and retailer what comes after. There are occasions when these gadgets “mishear” (for lack of a extra correct time period) the sounds round them and wake. Perhaps somebody says “Alexa” on a TV present and the system in your own home responds, or possibly somebody within the room says one thing that sounds to the system just like the wake phrase.
Customers can cease these gadgets from listening by turning off the microphone or they’ll make different privateness changes, like deleting recorded conversations. If you go to a house with a wise system, you possibly can ask that your mates do that in your consolation.
That is much less about paranoia than it’s about how we work together with the expertise round us. Whereas it’s more and more widespread to be monitored and tracked by good gadgets and different instruments, it isn’t all the time a requirement. I’m typically perplexed by what number of machines in my home want entry to the Wi-Fi to be able to perform, supposedly. Why should my toaster be browsing the online?
It behooves all of us to consider how we need to interact with expertise. We are able to’t management what’s happening with the cellphone in a stranger’s pocket, however we are able to make requests of pals. There’s no disgrace in saying to your mates, “I do know it is a great tool and I don’t begrudge you for having it. However for the size of our dialog, can it simply be us within the room?”
Pricey Eric: Since we’re completed with one other vacation season, I’ve this query for you. What’s the easiest way to deal with calls for from occasion hosts that you just take leftovers house with you?
I’ve tried politely saying no thanks, however they insist. I’ve defined I’m happening trip in a number of days and need to eat up my very own meals, or I simply made an enormous meal myself that’s taking on house in my fridge. I’ve tried utilizing dietary wants as an excuse, however shut household is aware of I don’t have any. Typically I simply didn’t like what they made, why take any house with me?
Typically they react with harm emotions, typically they get mad. I can’t stand meals waste so I’m not going to take it and toss it after I get house. What else can I do?
– Your Leftovers, Not Mine
Pricey Leftovers: No, or no thanks, is an entire sentence. For those who can’t take, or don’t need to take, the meals, you don’t need to. The host must be answerable for their emotions about this. Nonetheless, keep in mind that, for a lot of, the provide of leftovers is a part of the hospitality. They may not see the leftovers as “their” leftovers. So, once you decline, they may really feel an necessary a part of their lovingly ready meal is being rejected. You’ll be able to attempt to head this off on the move by saying earlier than a meal, and even when the invite goes out, that you just don’t wish to take leftovers and also you need to keep away from any harm emotions. You can too pivot the request by asking the hosts if there are any pals or neighbors who may want or respect the meal.
Pricey Eric: I’m all too conscious that this downside pales as compared with a few of the extra severe points with which you deal regularly.
Nonetheless, my spouse of greater than 40 years and I’ve had a longstanding truce concerning the day by day crossword puzzle and Jumble. She does the previous and I do the latter.
Of late, nevertheless, she has taken to finishing my Jumble. And woe be to me if I a lot as breath on the crossword.
Please don’t recommend counseling, as I all the time image The Lockhorns and Dr. Pullman.
– Jumbled
Pricey Jumbled: As an enormous proponent of native journalism (how might I not be?) I recommend you get a second subscription, so every of you has your choose of the puzzles.
As well as, nevertheless, ask her what’s modified about your longstanding truce. This may be a tiny ripple within the floor of your marriage, but when she’s disregarding your desires and a 40-year observe, it’s price discovering out why.
(Ship inquiries to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Field 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Observe him on Instagram and join his weekly e-newsletter at rericthomas.com.)
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