The first time I learned how invasive cell phones can be, happened when we invited an old friend over to dinner. We had no sooner dished up the food, when his phone rang and he said, “I’ve got to take this.” I wish I’d said, “No you don’t.” So he talked for a while about unimportant things, without having enough sense to step into another room or outside, so we couldn’t talk to each other or, if we’d had multiple guests, to anyone else at the table.
I don’t know enough about cellphones to know whether there’s a way to call somebody that indicates whether the call is urgent or whether the call is just to chat. As an old codger, I think it’s rude when cell phone users allow incoming calls to take precedence over the people they’re talking to in person–unless there’s an “emergency” ringtone or symbol.
Years ago, I worked for a company in which managers and others were required to always answer their work cellphones. Picture this. Eight of us are having a department meeting while three of those attending are talking on their cellphones while the rest of us do what–sit and wait, I guess.
When it comes to family groups and friends, I don’t understand the point of meeting for dinner at an expensive restaurant if three or four of the people are busy texting rather than participating in the conversation. No wonder people say we’re all turning stupid: we’re not listening.
I often think we’re being heard. I invite you out for coffee to tell you about a problem, your phone rings, and you say, “I’ve to take this.” From what I can hear of your side of the conversation, it’s just chit chat. What I want to do is throw down enough money on the table to cover the bill and leave.
If I stay, what’s to be gained? The people who say “I’ve got to take this” are stealing time from the people they’re with, and discounting them as well. No wonder so many people feel alone and isolated in our brave new world of instant communication.
The Kindle version of Malcolm R. Campbell’s novel “Fate’s Arrows” will be on sale on October 4th for 99 cents.
Malcolm's Round Table 
You are so right, Malcolm. Over here mobile phone reception is usually so bad that anyone having a conversation into one has to shout, and repeatedly shout ‘eh?’, ‘what did you say?’, ‘pardon?’ into the blasted thing. There are people who I will never eat lunch with again, who have sat at a table with me engaged in texting on these devil’s devices throughout the meal. The thing pings and they’re on it like Pavolov’s dog.
They have their uses. But they are a curse too.
People shouting into their cellphones really provides a lot of ambiance at a fine restaurant. Pavlov’s dog is a good way to put it. For me, the curse side of the equation is large than the benefits side.
Cellphone usage in my presence truly irritates me. I have taken calls, but they are short and too the point, such as my contractor calling to tell me when he is coming. I would accept that from others, too, but people who talk on the phone in my presence don’t get a chance to do it again. Simple as that.
I feel the same way.