4t and 4teen both have a thing for cell phones. 4teen can’t live without it and 4t can’t get rid of it.
A few days ago, the article “Gym Etiquette” caught my attention in a local newspaper. I use the gym continuously, but was never aware of any required etiquette. Therefore, I panicked that I may be doing something wrong and started reading to educate myself to act more civilized for the next time that I am in a public place.
Here are highlights of what I read:
Clean up the machine that you were using after you are done exercising.
Be considerate of other people and minimize your exercise time to accommodate everyone, during the busy hours.
Do not talk loudly on your cell phone in the exercise area.
Please trash your empty water bottle and papers after you are done.
I am confused and believe that something should be fundamentally wrong! Since then, I have started paying more attention to my surroundings and I see similar instructions posted at other places like metro stations as well. I keep wondering whom exactly are they sending these messages to?
Then again, I have an elegant single honk of a ride mate on the metro who loves to share his previous evening outings on his cell phone every morning at 7am. And guess what, he always rides on the same cart that I do! He loves to disclose every detail of his love life aloud, except for the X-rated parts where he tries to whisper, and we (all other people on the cart) can still hear. He loves details and never leaves anything out. Sometimes the conversation is so interesting that I miss my stop. He has a good taste too, I have tried a couple of restaurants and wines that he has talked about and shopped at a store that he was recommending to his friend!!
Enough diversion! I think these educational articles are targeting my hot ride mate who is so busy talking on the phone that have no time to read anything, forget about etiquette and behavioral education. The only people who read it are people like me who are already considerate, neat who are constantly striving to better themselves. The authors should start looking for other ways to communicate with people than traditional writing; otherwise they will be out of writing soon!!
6 comments:
Speaking as one of those people who break the so called "etiquette rules" that you speak of, i can confidently say that its not so much that we dont read whats written but rather that we dont think we're being disruptive. Take for example the morning on the train that you speak of. You probably sip your coffee, or read a book... a newspaper perhaps? maybe listen to an ipod? or an mp3? this hunk just talks on his cell phone. Its no different than loudly slurping your coffee or munching on your cereal. I mean, who wants to hear what you're eating/drinking? Its no different that you listening to your loud music. What if you were listening to Kelly Clarkson, and i hated her? that would be annoying to me. So its a matter or what ticks people off. thats all. Good thinking though!
So maybe there are things fundamentally wrong with society, i wont argue with you on that one. In fact i coud list so many things, that i wont even touch on the subject. I will however comment on that hunk on the train that you speak of. Honestly, if hes that good looking, then he probably speaks loudly to attract attention. Its natural that when you do something that you think makes you look cooler, you have some sort of aura or really obnoxious way of portraying it to someone else.maybe his way is being loud. And although you say you're not that big of a fan of listening to it, you dont seem to ignore it or block it out. In fact i seem to think you enjoy it. So he might be loud and detail oriented. But you're no better. you're just hungry for his detailed stories!!
LOL!!! :-)
That is so funny. I totally understand what you mean. I've experienced the same thing on the train, grocery store, nail salon, clothing stores, etc. I too am considerate of others, when I am on my cell phone some people just aren't. However, it is really sad when the adults are the main ones who do it, but then they try to tell a child not too.
Bad manners make a journalist.
Oscar Wilde
This is funny. It has happened to me a lot that I get on the subway and someone next to me is listening to his LOUD rock music, it is so loud that everyone around him can hear it. I can't stand this kind of music. I never say anything though. Did the manners lady recommend how to approach rude people in public without being worried to trigger a scuffle or something?
The title should have been, "who is listening?" not "are you listening?"
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