Rants: Know Your Cell Phone Voice

This is not yet another anti-cell phone rant. But it is indeed a rant incited by cell phone use.

I was in the on Miller Ave. the other day. On my way in, I spotted a woman in the produce section having an animated cell phone conversation. Nothing new here - it's long since become acceptable to talk on your cell phone in public.

I wandered over to the to-go food section section for a bite to eat. The woman ended up right behind me in line, oblivious to the world around her and speaking in a nasally, high-pitched voice at a volume level that suggested that the person on the other end was currently sitting in the Waldo Tunnel.

I told the guy at the counter that I was going to grab a few other items while he made my sandwich. Like fingernails scratching a chalkboard, that voice continued to trail me, wandering aimlessly (but directly) behind me. This went on for 10 minutes before I managed to free myself of the excruciating voice. 

I went back to grab my sandwich. She re-appeared, louder and more cringe-inducing than ever. Needless to say, I completely forgot what else I was going to buy that day (ended up being crackers for my daughter - doh!), checked out and freed myself from the voice that broke a thousand mirrors.

Some might disagree, but this is not typical of my shopping experiences in town. It happens, sure, but most people are, well, courteous and respectful, so when you see (and hear) the opposite, it stands out.

And it's not about the cell phone - that's just the medium. It's about self-awareness. 

It's quite simple: Know your voice. If you lack an inside voice, as I know that I do, take your calls outside, or in your car before you head into the store. If it's urgent (this woman's lengthy discussion about her weekend plans did not seem terribly pressing), tell the caller you're in a store, head to a far corner of the store and take the call as quietly as possible. Consider that minor inconvenience your good deed for the day!

OK, that's more than enough ranting from me. What's got you annoyed this week? Let's hear it in the Comments section below. If it's a good one, we'll run it as a standalone in a future edition of Rants.

Please keep it clean and refrain from personal attacks and/or name-calling. Address the issue without attacking the person and we’re all good to go.

So, what are you waiting for, let your rant flag fly!