Published in Rants And Opinions     2 comments – join the discussion!

Cell phones are everywhere, most of us, myself included, have one. Why then do so many people fail to observe even the basics of common sense when using them?

Speak up, the people down the street can’t hear you

Unless the person you’re talking to suffers from a hearing impairment STOP SHOUTING. Pretend they’re sitting across from you, and use a subdued to moderate tone of voice.

You’re doing wonders for my self esteem

Nothing says “I value our friendship and our time together” less than constantly answering your cell phone when with friends. Keep it to a minimum. Better yet, turn the ringer to vibrate or turn it off altogether.

That phone is going for a swim

If you want to hear the Flight of the Bumblebee, the William Tell Overture, or your favourite hard rock tune, put on a CD. They’re amusing once, maybe. Loud and obnoxious ring tones destroy the concentration and ear drums of those around you. GROW UP!

Driven to distraction

Pay attention to the road. Driving requires your undivided attention. Most of us have experienced the multitasking driver who cuts us off, changes lanes without signalling and runs a red light all while yakking on his/her cell phone or even worse, texting or reading/composing email. It’s dangerous, so CUT IT OUT. Use the speakerphone, get a hands free kit or a Bluetooth headset. Better yet, pull over to do your talking.

Would you like fries with that?

The guy behind the counter at your favourite fast food place and the girl manning the drive thru are both deserving of your attention. Stop yakking for all of the few minutes it’ll take to place your order. The people behind you in line will be thankful too.

Take if outside

Weddings, funerals, graduations, the theatre, the movies, church, the gym, the library, the list can go on and on. When attending any of these venues, put your phone on vibrate or turn it off. Chances are if a screaming child would disrupt the happening, your cell phone will too. If you MUST make a call, leave discreetly and make your call in private.

That’s just way too much information

I don’t want to know about a) the intimate details of your date last night, b) your fight with your mother, c) the tramp who hit on your boyfriend, or d) how you got rid of your latest round of herpes BECAUSE I DON’T KNOW YOU,YOU’RE A STRANGER, AND QUITE FRANKLY I DON’T GIVE A SHIT. And after having overheard your conversation, I NEVER WANT TO KNOW YOU.

Privies are private for a reason

NO ONE, not even your mother, wants to talk to you while you’re taking care of business. You weren’t meant to multitask while answering nature’s call. It can be summed in one word....GROSS. There hasn’t been a word invented yet for those who actually manage to complete their business while talking on their cell phone and then FLUSH THE TOILET.

Have you booked your surgery yet, there’s a growth on your ear

Wireless, or Bluetooth, headsets are terrific for hands free cell phone operation. To those of you who insist on walking around in public wearing one however, YOU LOOK LIKE AN IDIOT. It’s not cool, it’s not macho, and it’s just stupid.

Whaddayamean, I’m not getting a raise?

Before putting someone on speaker phone, do everyone a favour and tell them you’re doing so. You’ll save both yourself and the other party a heap load of potential embarrassment. This goes double for business situations. Who wants to make snide remarks about the boss without knowing that he/she can hear every unflattering remark that comes out of your mouth?

Bookmark & Share

Comments

Read what people are saying.

1

Centaur

Posted on August 14, 2008, 7:28 pm

I think this is definitely deserving of a wider audience. u rite reel gud Chloe!

2

Chloe (Author)

Posted on August 20, 2008, 1:24 pm

Thanks Centaur, I appreciate the feedback.

You must be logged in to comment on this article.

Why don’t you login or become a member?