Is Talking on a Cell Phone in Public Rude?

These days it seems that most people carry a cell phone, and ringing phones can be heard everywhere from restaurants to shopping centers. Some people consider talking on a cellular phone in public rude, while others continue to talk wherever they go. Is talking on a cell phone in public really rude, or are some people overreacting?

Annoying Ringtones

The act of talking on a cellular phone in public isn't necessarily as rude or as annoying as loud or obnoxious ringtones. How many times have you been enjoying a quiet meal in a restaurant when a nearby cell phone suddenly starts going off again and again? Everyone has different likes and dislikes, but some of the ringtones people choose are irritating to say the least. My husband chose "Leichte", and if you've never heard that particular ringtone, it's definitely one of the more obnoxious choices. A horserace comes to mind when his phone begins bugling, and I'm tempted to say "Off to the races!" every time it rings. I must admit I'm somewhat embarrassed when his phone rings in a quiet public place, and that's mainly because I try to be considerate.

I chose an ordinary ringtone for my phone, but I don't usually take it into public places where it might cause a disturbance. I don't particularly like drawing attention to myself, and a ringing cell phone does just that. However, I don't feel that taking my cell phone into the local Wal-Mart or grocery store is rude, but personally, I wouldn't take it into a restaurant or a typically quiet place unless I first turned off the ringer. Stores such as Wal-Mart are already somewhat noisy anyway, and a ringing cell phone really shouldn't bother anyone shopping. A cell phone ringer isn't any more annoying than a toddler throwing a temper tantrum, a crying baby being ignored by an unmindful parent, or music booming from the electronics department.