The Sounds of Silence?

Cell phones, loud conversations, other people’s loud music, constant chatter. It’s enough to make a sane person go insane. What’s wrong with a little silence now and then?

I feel so protective of my personal air space. I don’t want to share it with your phone conversation. Or the music emanating from your ill-fitting ear buds. Or even your car stereo. Wow. Can you make it a bit louder? I don’t think the people 2 towns away can hear it! 

I want to be in a public space, be it a bus, train, restaurant or bookstore (especially a bookstore) with out having to listen to someone’s cell phone conversation. Seriously? I’m really not interested in what you had for dinner last night or the personal details of your relationships or even your business dealings. Find a private space somewhere to talk.

I truly believe that certain places such as bookstores, should have a sign hanging that reads “TAKE YOUR PHONE CONVERSATION OUTSIDE” because we all need a little quiet to concentrate.

These days it’s very difficult to find a quiet space, unless you consider a library or a plane seat. Thank goodness the airlines don’t permit cell phone calls in flight. If I had to sit on a trans-Atlantic flight listening to some inconsiderate jackass on his phone from take off to landing there would be trouble. BIG trouble.

The other day I was sitting in a small area outside of my bookstore, stirring my coffee. At the table in front of me was a guy on his phone conducting a business meeting, quite loudly. He turned and glared at me as if to say, “Why are you disturbing my conversation with your stirring?” If looks could kill, he’d be 6 feet under by now.

Noise pollution is something we all need to think about. A lot. As for me, I’m spending my day off reading in silence. Phone on vibrate, music turned off. After a week of noise clutter I definitely need a little peace and quiet!

Happy February!