Excuse Me While I Answer My Phone...

Imagine this: You're on the bus early in the morning, on your way to school. It's nice and quiet, until the driver gets to the next stop. The doors open, and in come a few kids. Unfortunately, the first thing you hear from them is the annoying voice of a girl practically screaming "OMG DID YOU HEAR WHAT HAPPENED TO SUSIE?", along with the blast of some rap song you can't even understand coming from another boy's phone.

Or maybe you're more familiar with this: You're at a restaurant with your friend whom you haven't seen in months. You're really happy to be catching up with them again, and you're deep into conversation. "Hey, there's something I really need to tell you. It's really imp--" Then all of a sudden you friend has a startled look on her face and says, "Hold on! Someone's texting me! OMG, I HAVE TO CALL HER RIGHT AWAY!" And quickly starts talking on her phone while you're stuck sitting there waiting.

Have either of these situations, or something similar, happened to you? It's annoying, isn't it? I think that some people don't understand the proper usage of a phone anymore. I remember way back when having a cell phone was simply considered 'cool'. But look at the world now - can you even imagine living without a cell phone? It's even weird to think of going to a mall without seeing a cell phone used. Some people consider it a neccessity now, and to be honest, I kind of do myself. My phone's sort of like my security blanket. It helps my parents to know where I am, and when I'm meeting someone or getting a ride, it's so convenient to just whip out your phone and call them. It also makes me feel safe, knowing that I can dial any number at any time I want in case of any emergencies. It's just something that we live with now, and it's something as natural as the air we breathe.

So I guess I'll just leave you with my personal five rules of cell phone etiquette:
ONE. Use your 'inside voice'! I like listening to gossip as much as the next girl, but I'd really prefer it if you weren't screaming in my ear, or loud enough for a whole bus to hear. Not only is it annoying to everyone on the bus, but it's also pretty embarassing for you. Save yourself the embarassment! :)
TWO. Use the vibrate setting! Nothing's more annoying than a phone going off when it isn't supposed to, like when you're watching a movie or even working at school. Again, it's annoying, and embarassing on your behalf. :(
THREE. When using your phone when you're out with friends, don't forget your friends! Especially if you're out with only one person, it can get really annoying for the friend to have to just sit there and try not to eavesdrop on your conversation.
FOUR. Phone ≠ Ghettoblaster. LOL. It gets pretty annoying having to hear your music playing, especially if people don't like your music. So unless you can find music that can please every single person out there, you should probably just stick to personal headphones for yourself.
FIVE. Laaaastly, don't let your phone take over your life. Using your phone can get addicting, and it's even worse if your phone's never free. So don't misuse your phone if you don't have the money to pay for it. Also, a lot of people get addicted to talking on their phone and texting. But you shouldn't let it take over your life - there's more to life than talking and texting. Go outside! It's good for you. (Or you should do units, but whatever!)

Anyways, those are my five personal rules of cell phone etiquette. Enjoy!

Monday, May 25, 2009 Comment on This Entry