Mobile phones are great. They are really useful when you are stuck on public transport and running late for a meeting, or when you are out at night and you need a taxi, but the problem is that these little things seem to have taken over our lives. Worst of all social etiquette has been tossed aside, as mobile phones seem to take precedence in every situation.
Mobile Phones in Restaurants
If there is one thing I abhor it is sitting in a restaurant with a friend and in the middle of telling them a story, their phone rings. “Just a sec, I've got to take this”, they say. Before you can raise an objection they answer the call. You end up sitting there like Billy-no-friends while they have a conversation with the caller.
Businessmen seem to love talking on the phone at the top of their voices, especially when the restaurant is relatively quiet. I really don't want to hear all the sordid details of their dealings. If I was interested I would work for a large conglomerate.
When exactly did it become acceptable to talk on phones in restaurants? Before these little things came into existence you never saw anyone rush outside to use a callbox in the middle of dinner, and businessmen would sit quietly reading a newspaper. People, show a little respect for your dinner companions and fellow diners.
Mobile Phones on Public Transport
We all talk on our mobiles on public transport and I really don't have a problem with it but it isn't necessary to shout down the phone. Some people talk so loudly that turning up the volume on your mp3 player to eardrum-burst mode doesn't drown out their conversation.
I am not interested to hear about your dinner plans, Molly's affair with her geriatric boss or that Sammy has finally learnt to go pee-pee on a big person's toilet. Talk normally, strangely enough mobile phones have built-in microphones and as far as I know none of the manuals tell you to raise your voice several decibels in order to be heard. Remember shouting in public is a sign of bad manners - at least that is what I was taught as a child.
Mobile Phones in Toilets
I love chatting to my friends, but don't answer your mobile phone when you are on the toilet. I do not want to hear you urinating or listen to any of the other magical sound effects that go on in a toilet stall. It is totally embarrassing. You have voicemail, call me back after washing your hands.
The best is when you are desperate to use the toilet and someone is having a conversation in the stall next to you. I have a shy bladder and find it highly intimidating to know that some stranger can hear my waterworks. For all I know it could be a conference call and everyone on the other end can hear me. Please let me pee in peace.
The moral of the story folks is that it is fine to use your mobile phone but be considerate of other people. Strangers are not interested in your conversations, friends go out to spend time with you and not your mobile phone and finally, mobile phone usage in toilets is just totally wrong.
