I have decided to participate in the January 15th Peeve Week project . This is my first post for that project.

Having a cell phone is a necessity for many people today. We keep in touch with our friends through our cell phones, and we also check news through it. We text message our friends via the phone, and we also take pictures through it. With a trend that is outpacing itself from other trends like wearing a watch, there are more and more annoyances everyday that need to be addressed when it comes to using cell phone around people. Here is my list of 3 annoying habits that some people cannot seem to avoid when they use their cell phones in public.

This is a randomly chosen list, so please feel free to write and let me know about other things that may annoy you when it comes to cell phone usage around other people. This list is addressed to the annoying cell phone user that I describe in each point; thus the usage of the word “you” in most cases.

1. Talking via the cell phone speaker and not expecting people to look at you

   This one is a classic. I have seen people get on buses, go into public places and even sit in quiet waiting rooms full of people while talking through their cell phone speaker. Everyone can hear Mr. X’s conversation with his girlfriend about how late last night they had some “mutual fun“, as if using that code word is going to throw anyone off or make anyone believe that something happened. These people get offended and sometimes get hostile when people start staring at them. If you are willing to share your story with others in places full of people, expect other people to share their reactions with you too.

2. Talking on your cell phone while you are hanging out with someone

   Majority of the people in this world do not know the right manners when it comes to giving attention to people who are hanging out with you. Regardless of the cultures involved, a person should always try to make another person who has willingly chosen to hang out with them feel better. I have a few nice friends who are regular visitors to this site, and they are also regular cell phone users while they are in a movie with others, eating with others, walking with others, talking with others and last but not least, driving with others. When you are with friends and start talking to people who call you, do not say “I am sorry! That was long, I know!” when you told the caller on the phone earlier “No no, it’s ok, I have time to talk right now” in front of your friends. It shows your level of respect for people you hang out with.

3. Whispering and joking about people around you

   I have seen many people whisper via the phone about weird things they notice about people around them. It is embarrassing for many people to realize that you, a complete stranger, is making fun of them to your friend on your cell phone. Everyone notices something different and odd everywhere, and whispering about it usually only hides the exact words you use to describe the deficiencies about a person. The person you are whispering about knows that you are talking about them as you keep looking at them repeatedly. “Why do they not say something, then?“, you ask. Simple answer: they are more mature about it and know how to control their actions. They are also better at making good jokes that do not involve hiding from other people and whispering.

So there you have it. My list of 3 randomly chosen annoying things that many cell phone users need to think about. Please let me know what you think, or if you have a list of your own. Thank you.