Dear Catty Girls: Why is it that young women must talk on their cell phones while shopping? Do they get separation anxiety when they are away from their friends even for a few hours? — Perplexed gentleman who left an anonymous voice message on Cara’s work phone.

Dear PGWLAAVMOCWP:

Brigitte: It’s not about separation anxiety; it’s about multi-tasking. We’ve got social networks to maintain. Shopping is prime time for calling old friends (or moms) whom we need to catch up with. Also, these people can offer moral support when we’re not sure about a potential purchase. For instance, if I’m on the phone with my mom venting about the terrible, terrible day I’ve had, she’ll usually make me feel like it’s OK to splurge on a little something for myself.

Cara: I, too, am guilty of talking on my phone while shopping. I especially like talking to my friend Jill while roaming around Target. Why? Because she also loves Target and is able to point me in the direction of cute shirts and fun sales.

I’ve also photographed things I’m considering buying with my cell phone and sent the images to friends, along with messages like “Is this too crazy, or could I pull this off?” If they’re true friends, they’ll let you know.

Brigitte: Talking on the phone is also an insecurity fix. For example, I feel less self-conscious rummaging through the Victoria’s Secret clearance bin for 45 minutes if I’m on the phone.

Cara: That’s a good one. I’ve totally done that, too.

Talking while shopping also has some completely non-selfish purposes. I’ve consulted siblings via cell phone while Christmas/birthday shopping for our parents or another sibling. While wedding gift shopping, I’ve consulted already-married friends to see if it’s really true that you can never have too much Tupperware.

The possibilities for enlisting help, thus ensuring your friend/family member receives a gift he/she actually will enjoy, are endless.

That said, there are a few ground rules for phone-talking while shopping:

— Try to stay out of people’s way.

— Don’t loudly complain about a screaming child within earshot of said child’s parents.

— Stay away from people who appear to be annoyed.

— And never ever go through the check-out line while you’re on your cell phone. That’s worse even than talking loudly on your cell phone in a restaurant.

Cara Pesek and Brigitte Dale lead the Catty Girls Discuss blog and podcast at www.journalstar.com. Have a lifestyle question — anything from fashion to dating to money and more — for the Catty Girls? E-mail cpesek@journalstar.com or leave a question as a comment to any of their blogs at www.journalstar.com/blogs.