whispering to someone in front of someone else

It’s funny how simple dinner table rules when you’re a kid can shape your adult perception of some behaviors as rude or acceptable.

Like when I was young we weren’t supposed to whisper in someone’s ear at the dinner table, because sharing secrets in front of others is rude.

This one time a friend of mine uttered something under his breath to our friend about me — I heard my name — and when I asked him to share what he said about me, he acted like I shouldn’t ask, as if it’s his right to share secrets about me, in front of me.

I bet he was allowed to whisper at the dinner table.