On Cell Phones

[guenievre]

[Poll #892567]

I've noticed this at work - people talking on the cell phone. It bugs me a LOT. Really, you'd think there'd be ONE quiet place in the building.
But then I realize that the bathroom, to me, is one of those places you go and leave as quickly as possible. I don't get reading in the bathroom, either. So am I just hopelessly stodgy?

Comments

[flummoxicated.livejournal.com]

I used to work for a guy that often took his cell phone conversations into the can with him. I thought it was tacky.

It's not a "I must stay connected"

[weaverrhi.livejournal.com]

But that is the ONLY place in my office that one can have any privacy whatsoever for a phone call. Sometimes calls have to be made during the day and other than the break room, there is no place to make personal appointments or discuss "private" issues. It's sad that the bathroom stall is the most private place; but there it is.

I for one, don't want to sit in the break room and discuss things that I wouldn't want the stranger on the street to know.

Re: It's not a "I must stay connected"

[lady-guenievre.livejournal.com]

That's not unreasonable - people tend to just wander outside (there's a picnic table next to the parking lot) for those conversations here at my office.

Re: It's not a "I must stay connected"

[orlacarey.livejournal.com]

Warning I'm cranky today so this may come out wrong but in a bathroom with many stalls what makes you think your coversation is private?

[hanareru.livejournal.com]

quiet place? it's hard enough for me to piss or fart when there's someone in the next stall. being broadcasted? ew.

secondly... if it's a close friend or family and you were conversing prior to your compromised state, then you may continue conversation. but with strangers? good gods...

[alienor.livejournal.com]

No space to explain the Corollary...

There are three people I would talk to in the stall next to me: my Mom, my sister, or Talina (girlfriend that I grew up with), and then only to continue a conversation that had already started.

I've been talked TO by other people, and I don't ask them to be quiet (and have sometimes made non-committal noises at), but I just can't speak.

We don't have that problem at work (no cell phones allowed in the building), but at the research lab I used to work at, one of the techs would talk on his phone to his girlfriend... loud enough that I could hear it in the ladies room. Some people are weird.

[thalionar.livejournal.com]

as far as the talking to other people actually in the bathroom with you... it depends on the person. Close friends, sure, people with whom you are already in conversation, sure.

I don't usually strike up a conversation with random people (even random people I have a passing acquaintance with).

[danabren.livejournal.com]

If you're having a conversation with a real human in real time and breathing the same air and have to stop to pee, then yes, continuing the conversation is fine. And sometimes very amusing :)

But as for gabbing on your cell phone 24/7, even on the pot, seriously dude, it is time to UNPLUG!

[fiannaharpar.livejournal.com]

Here are my rules for when it's okay to carry on a cellphone conversation in the bathroom:

1. If you're waiting for an organ, and it might be the hospital.
2. If your water has broken and you're trying to phone someone to get you so you don't give birth in the privvy.
3. Your legs have gone utterly numb and you're calling for help.
4. Some other emergency situation where outside assistance is needed/wanted and asking a stranger for help would be too uncomfortable.

Because it's the phone. I treat it like a long-range cordless.

Conversations in the potty between two people in said potty, no big. I talk to my husband through the door if we're talking and one of us needs to use the necessary.

[debsiobhan.livejournal.com]

If someone is on a cell phone in the bathroom, I'm the person flushing multiple times for effect.

[pinkleader.livejournal.com]

Corollary to the corollary is that I won't answer my phone in the restroom (even at home) unless it is really important and I'm likely alone. Normally I just let it ring, if it's important they'll leave a message. If I'm on the phone and I need to potty, I'll wait/hang up and call back after business is complete. But if it is a gaggle of girls going to the restroom together, conversation will continue. Also occasionally for the plea for TP or other non-committal statements, but not conversations with strangers or co-workers. I am a potty reader, but primarily at home.

[millysdaughter.livejournal.com]

I was thinking along the lines of it is much less rude to excuse yourself to the restroom to answer/make a call in a restaurant, instead of talking on the cell phone at the table. Sometimes, the call MUST be answered. Not all of them, but some calls do need an answer right now.

[florentinescot.livejournal.com]

To finish my comment ... No on phone calls while on the pot, yes to Live Conversations because ... I'm generally in the middle of the conversation when we hit the bathroom door and it's stupid to stop just because you're in the bathroom!