The Marriage Ref

Staten Islanders Tommy and Tabatha Romano have been married for eight years; their love remains strong as ever. "Every day she fills my heart," reveals Tommy, as his wife looks on, beaming. But there's a modern problem that's making things a bit tense between the two lovebirds: Tabatha's love affair with her BlackBerry. She checks her phone constantly, responding to texts and e-mails immediately after they arrive.

"She's on it in the bathroom, in restaurants, in the bed," complains Tommy. "Anywhere you could be on the phone, she's on the phone all the time."

A busy teacher, Tabitha feels she needs to stay connected. "To get the most amounts of things done, I need to use this phone," she says. "I'm not on the phone, I'm engaging in text messaging and e-mail."

We see the couple at a restaurant, their conversation interrupted regularly by a series of beeps and tones from Tabatha's phone, announcing yet another message. Tommy's livid that his wife refuses to fully engage in conversation with him. And he's concerned her BlackBerry has become an addiction.

"You have Carpal Tunnel because of all the texting you do. I'm gonna throw this thing in the water."

The panel is divided. A connected personality himself, Howie Mandel sides with Tabatha, saying that her husband "needs to get with the times. He could text her."

Bette couldn't disagree more and sympathizes with Tommy. "I feel bad for him. It's really demeaning."

Howie defends the temptation to stay in touch. "This is the culture we're in."

But Bette wants no part of it. "It's so boring," she says, then mimics a typically inane status update, "'I'm waiting for the elevator.' I think it makes people stupid."

Craig understands the allure of the smart phone, confessing that he has to put his phone in the trunk of his car when he drives, lest he text, drive, and crash. Like Bette, he sides with Tommy.

Tom's ready to make his call. Via satellite, he tells Tabatha, "I feel for you, it's an amazing technology. I'm gonna text you my call."

Tabatha reads the verdict that's arrived via text message: "Pay attention to your husband. Congratulations Tommy, you win."

The Romanos received a second honeymoon at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino. For more information, visit www.arubamarriott.com and www.aruba.com.

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