Truly…I thought the “cell phone talking” in the grocery line was at the top of my list. You know, the person who stands staring at the same can of beans for 20 minutes while holding a long personal conversation as you try to negotiate around his/her basket to get your can of beans??? Ever notice how the offender smiles nicely and steps away just a bit, but then continues on with their conversation – until a second shopper needs something in the offender’s invisible territory box? You’ll notice the offender get a little put out now because, after all, you are invading their “talking space” and they ARE trying to have a conversation! At this point, the offender moves about 3′ down and begins staring at another product he/she doesn’t intend to purchase…and the dance begins again. At least I have the option to navigate around this person, and quite often, I will say “excuse me” and point right into the product that I need to purchase. Of course, I’ve interrupted their very important conversation so I’m not usually met with a gracious smile.
On the other hand, topping my list now, is the REALLY OFFENSIVE act of people sitting in medical offices waiting to be called in or waiting on a family member. Seriously, I was at my son’s orthodontist recently when a woman came and sat 2 chairs down from me – talking on her cell phone from the time she entered the office until….well…until I could no longer read in somewhat of a quiet environment and had to move into another back area of the medical office to escape the intrusion.
Honestly, remember when the doctor’s office was a quiet place where you could catch up on reading? Sure, there may have been a few crying kids that were sick, but you had sympathy for them; and the occasional coughs and sneezes that penetrated the stillness, were only moments for you to exercise your good manners and give the usual “Bless you” or “Gesundheit” – and back to your reading you would go.
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I am just amazed at the lack of respect some people have for those around them and particularly, for those that work at the reception desk? They have work to do. They are on the phone making appointments, looking up information on the computer, talking to pharmacists, checking out parents….all the while having to listen to an annoying ongoing conversation by someone who apparently thinks their business should be EVERYBODY’S business.
Is it that difficult to step outside and finish your conversation? I mean, it’s not like we are EVER in below-freezing conditions here in Southern CA….and even if one does live in such a place and season where it is…then if it’s TOO DARN COLD to hang outside chatting up with your friend, then it’s not THAT URGENT! After all, no one minds the brief moments of someone on a call who is politely ending it as quickly as possible – showing obvious respect for those around them – but to just ignore everyone around you…and air your dirty laundry??? Okay, maybe it’s clean laundry, I don’t really care. I just don’t want to hear it.
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Maybe I should start a campaign like the non-smokers did. ”Second hand cell communication causes irritation to the nerve endings”!
Okay, I got that off of my chest – and I see no point in listing several tips for good cell phone etiquette here. There are posts on this blog that already cover that. It’s pretty simple.
Hang up and read.
Ps: Don’t get me started on bathroom stalls!
