Here’s the problem.
You’re in a restaurant or the waiting room at your doctor’s office, or concentrating on your workout at the gym, or waiting to board a plane.
And then it happens. Someone near you begins talking on their phone as if they’re sitting alone at home, in their office, in their car, or in what boomers remember as phone booths.
This audio trespasser is talking so loud you can hear every word. You might even be able to hear the person they’re talking with because the volume is so high. You’re learning things about them you would rather not know. You can no longer concentrate on your conversation, reading, or relaxing.
They might even act as if other people are disturbing their phone conversation.
Picture that person you’ve been forced to listen to, and I’ll bet it was a boomer.
We boomers didn’t grow up with cell phones, and I believe that we still don’t know how to use them.
I seldom hear a young person being obnoxious on their phone in public. It might be that they are more likely to be texting or communicating over social media. And they’re not bothering anyone around them.
We older folks were used to having a phone booth to enter, close the door, and talk as if no one was listening. We’re having trouble transitioning to open space phone use. We’re free range nuisances.
In contrast, I recently witnessed great phone manners at a public event.
The young professional woman that was sitting with our group was expecting an important phone call. First, she let us know that she regretted it, but that she was going to have to take a call.
She had her phone on vibrate so when the call came in it didn’t disturb anyone.
Then she spoke very low and moved away from the group for the call.
I don’t think I ever heard her voice. It was perfect. And, knowing her, just what I would have expected.
This is just one of my pet peeves about cell phone use in public.
Maybe I’ll rant more later about another one.
Excuse me; I must take this call.
