Dear Smartphone: Phone is Confusing

DEAR MS. SMARTPHONE: I DON’T GET THOSE LITTLE SQUIGGLY ICONS ON THE TOP OF THE PHONE SCREEN. I AM TOO EMBARRASSED TO ASK WHAT THOSE IMAGES ARE SUPPOSED TO MEAN. Rory, Fontana

Dear Rory: You should not feel shy or embarrassed. What you describe is more common than you think.  For example, what is a circle with a half closed arrow?  Sometimes you can hover over the image with your finger and a descriptive label will pop up. But, I assume you tried that. So, as a first step, try to describe the mysterious icon in an online search… you’ll be surprised!  You could also get an instructional book for your phone or look on YouTube.  And, check out classes at the phone stores. Many of these are free.