“Yackety-yak!” It looks like someone has a hang-up, but he’s
still on the line.
Stop me, if you’ve
heard this one. Wait. We all have – and all too often.
You’ve seen these folks in airport terminals, grocery store
checkout lines, crowded elevators, commuter train cars, and even libraries.
They’re the conversational exhibitionists, who persist in
carrying on extended and loud dialogues on their cellular devices, while
remaining in public spots. They don’t seem to care that others may not wish to
listen to their diatribes.
Hold the phone.
Last week, I could not distance myself fast enough from a
virtual broadcaster, while meeting for lunch with a colleague in a lovely
public garden. I found it challenging to enjoy our conversation and the
surrounding floral displays fully, while trying to ignore a stranger’s vocal
gymnastics.
What about phone-y
baloney?
Have you ever wondered whether a particularly overzealous
public chatter actually had a listener on the line? That question has crossed
my mind, especially when such a person has launched into loudly projected
name-dropping.
Are we supposed to be
impressed, or simply irritated?
Let’s dial it back.
Sure, some phone calls require immediate attention. But is
it too much to ask for folks to speak softly, or even step away, while engaging
in cell phone conversations? How about keeping things as brief as possible,
while in public places?
The rest of us may not be interested in
overhearing all that oversharing.
Sometimes I miss
phone booths.
Image/s:
Adapted from public domain image.
