Dear Elyse,
The other day I was eating in a classy restaurant trying to have an adult conversation with two of my friends when my thoughts were interrupted by a screaming child. The child's screaming persisted through the entire duration. I finally asked my waitress if this was appropriate for the restaurant and she concurred the it wasn't but refused to speak to the woman. This being a free country I went up to the woman and told her that she needed to keep her children under control or not eat at this restaurant. She responded by calling me a child hater and saying I didn't appreciate all that she was doing to manage her child. I feel like I am the bad guy for simply wanting a peaceful lunch. What is your take? What would have been the best way to approach it?
Yours,
Pained While Lunching

Dear Pained while lunching,
First let me state that I agree with you. People shouldn't bring children to fancy restaurants. In general if there are clothe handkerchiefs, then the restaurant is fit for adults only. I can also imagine your pain trying to enjoy your lunch with loud noises in the background. You were hoping for a relaxing afternoon and instead you got a tension-filled afternoon. However, the restaurant seating hostess is the one who makes the decision about who is allowed to eat in the restaurant, not you. They view it that everyone's money is equal and are thinking about their bottom line. Your objective was to have a peaceful lunch not to have a confrontation right? Next time, if you are in this predicament, ask your server if it is possible for you not to be seated near children.This way you avoid both being disturbed and getting into confrontation. Remember that even though you may have your beliefs about children eating in fancy restaurants it really isn't your duty to impose these beliefs on others. And also - who wants the extra gray hairs and wrinkles that results from getting angry?
Yours,
Elyse