The Pink Shoe Diaries

Last weekend, at the crappy fabric store*, I was pleasantly surprised by a sign taped to the counter by the register that said "Please do not talk on your cell phone while paying for your items". A simple statement, but something I wish ALL stores had, not just crappy fabric stores.

(*You might wonder why one would have occasion to shop at a crappy fabric store. Well, although it smells like an unwashed foot in there, the fabric comes in every color, pattern and material imaginable and it is CHEAP: I bought enough christmas colored cotton to drape over all the tables in my apartment for my holiday party and spent less than $10)

In any case, that sign got me thinking about how cell phones, while I admit are a neccesity, usually contribute to the downfall of people who otherwise are quite nice. The talking on the phone while dealing with a cashier is a classic example. What's more rude than that? It's like 'You are not important enough to garner my full attention". I'm telling you, if I were a cashier there would be A LOT of people going home with their security tags still attached to their items if they pulled that with me.

And then last night, while out to dinner with some friends, one gentleman we were with who otherwise seemed like a nice guy, was TEXTING all through dinner. That kind of thing is maddening to me. When I go out to eat with friends, my cell phone goes on silent. If I absolutely have to make a phone call, I excuse myself and go outside. I felt like saying "Hey if there's somewhere else you'd rather be, have at it!", but of course no one is ever as mad about these things as I am.

It makes me weep for the days of payphones, I tell you.

I got a cell phone for the first time in years earlier this year, and I have to say I am still not completely comfortable with it. I usually don't answer it when I am with other people, and I rarely talk on it in public. I am the first one to admit I am a loud bitch, and incapable of talking at a normal level even when I'm in person with someone, much less when speaking through a little handheld box. Adam even threatened me today with having it shut off because I don't use it enough.

Maybe the reason for my hatred of cell phone social faux pas, and my own discomfort is that I am just not a phone person. I don't call people just to say "whatup?" unless we have plans of some kind. I would rather go SEE someone or make plans to see them than chat on the phone for hours. And if I am with friends, I believe they deserve my full atttention and any phone calls/texts can wait until I am free.

I know I am in the minority on this, but it needed to be said. Put down your phones.


(cartoon courtesy of toothpastefordinner.com and per Jenny's request)