https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 02 May 2026 13:37:08 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping/page/2#post-1494928 Fri, 22 May 2015 11:33:16 +0000 Mander 1494928@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe I'm just used to it but it doesn't bother me. Sometimes I find it strange when people talk about really personal stuff in public but unless they are talking loudly in an otherwise very quiet place (like a train or a library) then I don't even notice it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping/page/2#post-1494865 Fri, 22 May 2015 04:47:10 +0000 Gaylene 1494865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the issue for me is the difference between public and personal space. A phone conversation in a corner where I hear snippets or murmurs is in personal space; a phone call that Is loud enough to be heard several tables away is in public space.</p> <p>Short, quick calls to check on the kids, or to meet at a pre-ordained spot, are permitted in public space, but extended screaming, abuse, yelling and arguing belong in personal space. The other party can hang up, but the rest of us are stuck with you. </p> <p>Sensitive, private, or highly personal matters should be discussed in personal, not public, space. Fighting with your partner, firing an employee, discussing your colon issues, or making arrangements to cheat on your spouse are to be discussed only in private space. </p> <p>Crowded settings where people are packed together and retreat is impossible, are public space. In these public spaces, treating them as your own personal space is inconsiderate--and, yes, rude. If we all decided to do that, life in cities would be unbearable and airline travel unthinkable. If it is truly an emergency, we will bend the rules and do what we can to provide you with more personal space in a public space even if it makes life less comfortable for the rest of us--much like a medical emergency on a crowded plane. It's called goodwill. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping/page/2#post-1494854 Fri, 22 May 2015 03:43:08 +0000 DonnaF 1494854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In certain urban neighborhoods one runs across mentally ill people talking to themselves, so that is the first thing that comes to my mind when I see solo folks talking -- not that they are using Bluetooth.&nbsp; Extended convos bother me; short ones not so much.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping/page/2#post-1494839 Fri, 22 May 2015 03:15:59 +0000 unfrumped 1494839@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the differences from actual 2- person conversations make people use it differently and make it more bothersome to listeners - including what Janet said. So I think it IS different and causes a form of stress that is real ( meaning stress like noise pollution or light at night) and so I define it as rude when in fact it may not have a precise parallel but is a relatively new phenomenon with unintended consequences for bystanders and we don't have a defined social etiquette for it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494824 Fri, 22 May 2015 02:27:18 +0000 Windchime 1494824@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm amazed at some of the one-sided conversations I've heard people have on cell phones in publc places; absolutely amazed. Evidently a lot of people don't feel a need to keep parts of their lives private. But just because they share it doesn't mean I want to overhear it! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494811 Fri, 22 May 2015 01:57:02 +0000 tulle 1494811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My husband claims it wouldn't be so bad if the overheard conversations were interesting!&nbsp; Generally, though, it goes something like this, "I'm in the produce section . . . "&nbsp;&nbsp; Of course, I've received plenty of perplexed-at-the-supermarket calls from him, too!&nbsp; As CocoLion says, it's modern life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494659 Thu, 21 May 2015 18:35:53 +0000 SW Ann 1494659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you!!!! I&nbsp; thought, honestly, that I was the only person in the world that considers this rude!&nbsp; It happens ALL the time here, seemingly everywhere I go...shopping, the restroom, at the hair salon, restaurants--and the rudest is the person who will not put down their phone while checking out....&nbsp; I've never talked to anyone about this because I figured most people would think I was "old fashioned" and totally out of line.&nbsp; I've never intervened, but often move out of earshot, and have left places completely when surrounded.&nbsp; I really did think that I was being overly sensitive because I would not consider doing this.&nbsp; So, again, thank you for letting me know I'm not crazy, just polite (and so are you...:) ) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494658 Thu, 21 May 2015 18:34:35 +0000 Kirstjen 1494658@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find a lot of conversations (not just on cellphones) to be annoying. &nbsp;A lot of people talk for the sake of filling up air time, and not because they have anything meaningful to say. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494657 Thu, 21 May 2015 18:28:09 +0000 texstyle 1494657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It is rude behavior. No question about it. People aren't all that considerate in public. Can we stop it? Not likely. I personally have and will let people know that it's bothering me though. Especially in a restaurant or other place as Janet said where you are "captive" to their rude behavior. Texting is fine - I could care less if you texted all day long while you walked through life. But talking loudly on your phone in the earshot of others is another matter. I figure if they are speaking loudly enough to be bothering people trying to have lunch/dinner or other quieter activities, then I'm going to speak loudly myself and ask them if they can take the call elsewhere. And of course many people act all huffy and mad, but most often they take it outside or leave the area. Happened just yesterday at lunch. In our own little town cafe (so it was likely a neighbor). DH and I both first gave him the evil eye, then said loudly to one another how rude some people can be in public - making sure he could hear us as loudly as we could hear him. He ended the conversation right quick. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494650 Thu, 21 May 2015 18:12:28 +0000 Eliza 1494650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know a lot of people do it. &nbsp;Not my favorite thing, yet in a dressing room, it could easily be two people shopping together talking and that wouldn't bother me. &nbsp; </p> <p>Now, what I really can't stand with cell phone etiquette is people checking out of retail stores or ordering in a cafe and behaving as if the cashier is interrupting them. &nbsp;I think it is completely rude to be on the phone when transacting business, unless it is truly an emergency. &nbsp;In that case, you apologize and inform the person. Old school, maybe. &nbsp;Yet I think handling the public all day is plenty on your plate, without people behaving like you are a machine.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494608 Thu, 21 May 2015 17:13:43 +0000 Laurinda 1494608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It bugs me, but I figure I'm getting old and out-of-touch so I just add it to my "<i>Kids Today!</i>" rant list. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494601 Thu, 21 May 2015 16:59:58 +0000 elpgal 1494601@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The only issue I see is that of voice levels being higher while on phone compared to a in-person conversation. Is that always true, though? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494595 Thu, 21 May 2015 16:39:57 +0000 Diana 1494595@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I shop alone for the most part so once in a while I will use my phone, either for calls or texting. If the store is very quiet or small I will go outside if I'm talking, but in something like a department store or supermarket?&nbsp; Whatever.&nbsp; I tend not to have long conversations because I dislike talking on the phone, and I speak quietly.&nbsp; I would never talk on the phone while interacting with other people (e.g. at the cash register) but when I'm just minding my own business, browsing the racks or whatever?&nbsp; I don't think it's any different than two friends having a conversation in a store.&nbsp; Same amount of noise and it's not harming anyone.&nbsp; I will admit that sometimes I'll talk on the phone (or pretend to) if I don't want to be bothered by the pushy SAs in certain stores (same for the "clipboard people" (you know, the people soliciting signatures for various causes) on the sidewalk near my work at lunchtime).&nbsp; </p> <p>I dislike it when other people have LOUD phone conversations but I also dislike it when people talk loudly to their friends in public places.&nbsp; It has nothing to do with the phone.&nbsp; </p> <p>Maybe I'm a little inured to it because I ride the bus every day so I hear other people's conversations/phone calls all the time.&nbsp; I usually carry headphones anyway so I can block out really annoying ones if I have to.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494587 Thu, 21 May 2015 16:23:49 +0000 Carole 1494587@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If I get a call from my grown kids (it doesn't happen that often) or mother I take the call no matter where I'm at...with Most everyone else I will wait until I have more privacy. I can see why it would bother some but it is the world we live in and the positives outweigh the negatives. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494563 Thu, 21 May 2015 15:19:56 +0000 columbine(erin) 1494563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I turn off or put away my smartphone when I'm with someone, at a friend's house, church, playground, mealtimes, or restaurant, etc., because I do find it off putting when others are texting and we're supposed to be having time together. But because of time constraints and time zones I've had long conversations in the grocery store. I ended it before going to the register though; it would seem rude to me not to. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494521 Thu, 21 May 2015 13:49:44 +0000 Janet 1494521@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm only mildly annoyed by this when strangers are doing it when out in a store because it's relatively easy to move elsewhere. I hate it in restaurants though, where I'm forced to be a captive audience to some random person at the next table. I also really don't like it when someone I'm with does this. I had to explain this to my husband in the past, and he tries to only do this when absolutely necessary (i.e., a business phone call while we're in the car together -- annoying but unavoidable). I'm not much of a phone conversation person anymore, so I rarely carry on a lengthy cell phone conversation anywhere, much less out in public. I'll often call people back when I'm in my car or studio alone. I really dislike carrying on conversations in front of other people, even if it's just my husband. </p> <p>I read or heard somewhere that it's harder to block out one-sided dialog than a full conversation, because our brains are trying to fill in the missing side of the conversation. It makes sense to me. I *can* block it out but I have to really concentrate on something else. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494493 Thu, 21 May 2015 12:15:50 +0000 Anonymous 1494493@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes. &nbsp;And the thing is they act like they are due privacy because they are on the phone, yet they seem to almost be shouting into the phone so it is impossible to not overhear. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494478 Thu, 21 May 2015 11:57:59 +0000 retailgirl 1494478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This annoys me, too, but I don't see as much if it as I used to. I think people text more now. But I agree with unfrumped, the one that really gets me is people having conversations while in a ladies room stall! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494438 Thu, 21 May 2015 09:06:20 +0000 Deb 1494438@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I generally don't worry about people being on a phone, it is all around us and unavoidable, but I found myself really annoyed at a recent sporting event when the women sitting directly behind me spent 1.5 hours of the 3 hour game on the phone. Her conversation was trivial banter and spoiled the experience for those sitting by her. In the same position, I would have demonstrated some etiquette and consideration of others, by calling the person back later and paying homage to the game. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494422 Thu, 21 May 2015 05:48:39 +0000 Desmo April 1494422@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't actually see anything wrong with being on the phone while I'm shopping. </p> <p>For the most part shopping is a solitary activity. No phone while engaged with anyone else though. When I have free time at home, it is far too late to call the east coast. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494417 Thu, 21 May 2015 05:28:36 +0000 Marit K 1494417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hate this behavior. If I get a call I need to take while in a public place I duck outside or into my car to talk. There will be parents talking on the phone at the playground and it is very distracting to the rest of us and sometimes the conversation is not for little ones ears. So frustrating. Lead by example I suppose! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494399 Thu, 21 May 2015 03:34:24 +0000 Anonymous 1494399@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear this all to often and sometimes think the person is talking to me if it's just us. Most of the time the talker speaks in a loud voice as if they are trying to be heard over piped in music or something. It is very hard to ignore. I find it rude. They could leave for someplace more private if they must have a long conversation right then. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494384 Thu, 21 May 2015 02:55:34 +0000 unfrumped 1494384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How about people who start talking on cell phone while in their stalk in the ladies' room? Make me jump out of my skin. Plus , ick. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494373 Thu, 21 May 2015 02:41:38 +0000 Vix 1494373@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I work full-time, as do most of my friends/family -- and we often have time zone issues to boot. </p> <p>Phone tag can only go on for so long before one or both parties call or pick up while running errands. No, it's not ideal. I'd rather be in private but I'd also like to TALK to people I care about vs emailing/texting.</p> <p>As long as I'm solo (and not actively engaged with a customer service person) I call it good and move on. And since I'm nosy I don't mind other's convos! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494371 Thu, 21 May 2015 02:31:48 +0000 MsMary 1494371@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with CocoLion -- I don't know that there's any alternative to just ignoring it. Calling out a stranger on rude behavior is, I think, just adding to the total rudeness in the world. I do think it's okay to ask a friend to stop texting while visiting as long as it's done lightly and with a smile. But trying to police everybody else's etiquette is probably a losing proposition. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494366 Thu, 21 May 2015 02:12:46 +0000 Gaylene 1494366@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just let off steam by writing a long diatribe, but caught myself before I hit the submit button. Seriously, though, would I be totally out of order to ask a person to lower their voice because their personal life is none of my business? Or to stop texting while we are visiting? Does not calling a person on their rude behaviour make that behaviour seem acceptable--or, even worse, normal? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494353 Thu, 21 May 2015 01:49:39 +0000 Karie 1494353@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What's really bad is when the person you're with is having a long conversation with someone else on the phone, or is continually texting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494349 Thu, 21 May 2015 01:39:44 +0000 Jaime 1494349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it is as inconsiderate as any loud behavior that subjects me to your noise. In other words, very inconsiderate indeed.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494347 Thu, 21 May 2015 01:30:23 +0000 carter 1494347@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes. Drives me nuts. Talking on the cell in restaurants is the worst, but I find all of it very rude. Step outside if you need to have a conversation. Do not subject me to the irrelevant details of your life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/cell-conversations-while-shopping#post-1494340 Thu, 21 May 2015 01:17:58 +0000 CocoLion 1494340@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just accept it as part of modern life. &nbsp;At least she is not driving. </p>