Tuesday’s cover story (“Shut the cell up,” about obnoxious cell phone use) got readers fired up. Here’s what some of you had to say.
Can you smell me now?
[Tuesday] I went outside to smoke a cigarette (I know, an even worse habit than cell phone talkers) and stood in a quiet spot near some trees and away from other people. A woman talking on her cell phone came by and stopped right next to me; she was literally yelling into the phone. I just gave her a look and walked away. I wonder how she would have reacted had I walked up to her and blown smoke in her face. We all have our bad habits. Let’s try not to inflict them on others.Michele Mohr, 47, Berwyn
Hellooooo?
I work as a [bank] teller, and I hate people talking on their phones when they’re at my window. Sometimes they make you count the money twice, because they didn’t really pay attention. I mean, what are they thinking? It’s not about me, but hey–it’s your money that you deal with, so stay focused!
Anna Banka, 20, Portage Park
Use your head
I have to say I’m on the phone all the time in public–on the bus, in the supermarket or walking on the street. I have no cell phone service in my apartment and can only afford one or the other: a land line or a cell phone. I’m from out of town (Pennsylvania), so if I want to communicate with my friends and family, I have to be on the phone more than the average person.
I don’t see the difference between me talking to someone beside me and talking to someone on the phone. There is the same responsibility to speak at a reasonable level and edit your conversation topics depending on your surroundings.
I don’t, however, answer the phone if I’m at dinner with someone else, at work, at the movies, etc. That is common sense.
Jess Hanebury, 25, Lakeview
Hung up
I read this article and it just really steamed my carrot. I did agree with some of the thoughts and comments, but most of them sounded just plain ridiculous.
A lot of the complaints people have about cell phones aren’t really complaints about cell phones. Talking loudly, going into detail about sexual encounters (or any gross or extremely personal info) or not paying attention to the road are all things that, if done without a phone in hand, are equally disturbing and rude.
Assuming they are talking at a normal conversational tone, cell users actually cut down on noise. It’s only half the sound you would get from a full conversation. Maybe the next time I’m on the train, I should tell people to not talk to each other, as it is just too distracting and rude for me to bear.
After reading this article, I thought about going into Perry’s Deli and making 20 calls in a row. I know, their house, their rules. But if I’m not in line and holding things up, why can’t I talk on my phone?
My last comment is about the priority box at the end of the article. If I had some friends come to my home, and during a conversation my house phone rang, would picking it up be rude? You tell me.
Shawn Phillips, 25, Niles
Picky, picky
I have been a picky eater all my life, to the dismay of my family and friends (“Picky eaters,” Oct. 2). I always had to have my meals specially made as a child. I don’t eat any condiments. I eat plain burgers/cheeseburgers (affectionately called “choke burgers” by family and friends) and have never had a salad. I’m getting better though. I don’t mind having my foods touch each other anymore.
Melvin Jefferson II, 31, Alsip
A real problem
Thanks to the RedEye for doing this piece on picky eaters! I am the picky eater poster child and have been so since Day 1.
Few understand the embarrassment and anxiety associated with being a picky eater. Eating socially (dates, meetings, weddings) can be humiliating and forces you to makes excuses for your unusual behavior or to avoid any events involving food.
Most people, even disorder professionals, brush it off as childish behavior, immaturity or even being close-minded. Simple tastes or textures can trigger a reaction of anxiety normally expected from a meal offered on “Fear Factor.” Traveling is also particularly hard. I just returned from a business trip to Germany and returned 4 pounds lighter. Sauerkraut and brats aren’t exactly my thing.
Kevin Millsap, 25, Naperville
Ah, relief
I am the pickiest eater ever. I only like food that is bland and brown. Plain. I fear condiments of all kinds and cooked vegetables. My favorite place to grab lunch is Jimmy John’s because they have plain subs (just the meat and cheese) on the menu already! And $1 cheaper! It makes me feel like less of a freak.
Amy Chojnacki, 26, Wrigleyville
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