This is a guest blog submitted by sleepyhead.I'm waiting for the elevator, trying not to eavesdrop on the woman in front of me who's yelling into her phone (set on speakerphone so we can hear the other side of the argument, too - thanks!). You've seen it, too - people yelling at their SOs about whatever's bothering them out in public.
My theatre professor in college always told me to sit next to people on the train or bus and to pay attention to their conversations. He said the best material for writing drama was listening to these people's conversations on the phone with their significant other; it always gave him material for his plays. It may be intrusive to listen in on other's people conversations, but when they display it in public, it's hard not to listen to them.
Have you ever argued on the phone with your SO in public? Does it bother you if other people do?
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Comments (20)
I never argue on the phone in public. It doesn't bother me if other people do. In fact, I like listening to them. Gives me ideas on what to write in my xanga. :)
I agree that it can be a form of entertainment if you actually pay attention. And make for lovely, comical stories later on.
I try not to argue with him in front of other people or on the phone. I find that to be extremely rude. It's not really a problem as we have a great relationship anyway.
It's usually just my complaining that his phone has horrible connection and his tv in the background is too loud, "so I'm going to go before I break the phone." heh
if im the one arguing im public i feel rude so i try not to!
All arguments bother me.
We figured out pretty early on that it's best to save it for when it's just the 2 of you. If he says something that bothers me and we're out in public, I'll make a mental note and we'll talk about it later. Otherwise you're putting each other on the spot, and making everyone around you uncomfortable, too. It's a recipe for disaster, as you're more likely to feel defensive rather than try to relate to each other and see each other's side.
I try not to argue with anyone in public. I consider it rude and also I don't want everyone around me to know my private issues.
As for sitting next to people arguing, yes I totally understand that. If they are talking loud enough for you to hear without straining, it's their own fault. I find it extremely entertaining and have many story outlines taken from spins of encounters like that.Â
Heated arguments suck. While I encourage thoughtful debates, emotionally driven arguments over silly things don't need to be broadcast to the world. Besides, the details of your private life should be just that... private.
Why would I ever argue with my SO in public over the phone? Why would I ever argue with him at ALL is a better question... but anyway...
No. If I'm exasperated, that may show. If i'm frustrated with the connection, that may show. But I always have a smile when I see that he's calling. i think that's the most important thing.
I've never argued with him, on the phone or otherwise.
I dont argue in public... But I sure enjoy it when other people do! It's interesting to get a first hand perspective of how other people handle their frustrations.
only if it becomes insane.. otherwise, sometimes it's interesting to listen and try to figure out what the other side is saying...
i've never argued with my SO in public, but i've had emotional outburst at him...
Never have, and I don't plan on doing it. When people do it around me, I just ignore them.
my friend and i were on the plane last week, and we were discussing our love life loudly on a small ~60-people plane... almost every boy situation within the last 3 months (because that's how long i haven't seen her for). the guy sitting behind us seemed to have gotten annoyed and started saying loudly, 'WOW, some people are so LOUD..'
so i guess that was disrespectful of us =( but it was a rude way to get cut off and humiliated.
lol never argued like that, and I really try to ignore those people as loud as they can be
Never argued in public. This might sound bad, but sometimes, I find the stuff they argue about amusing...or maybe the way they come about it (not to say it's something to laugh about)
I have come close, I'll admit...but I didn't want to be "that girl."
I tend to stay away from talking to anyone on the phone while in public if I can avoid it.
It definitely does not bother me if other people do though, like you said, could make for some interesting "drama". Though, I don't write plays, people watching is one of my favorite things...haha...*feels stalkerish, but is totally not*
As much as I hate overhearing someone's argument with an "unseen" person, I'd rather do that then have to encounter the whole awkward mess in person.Â
There's no easy, subtle way to leave a room with two people arguing in it but it's easy (or at least easier...) to sneak out when someone's on the phone. I think that is because people seem to be blissfully unaware of anyone else's presence while they're on the phone.
Sometimes it bothers me.. Mostly if they are doing it for attention.. the drama seekers.. I myself feel uncomfortable talking to anyone on the phone where alot of people can hear me... I also hate to hear people talking disrespectfully to their SO.
well yea it bothers me if other people r arguin on the phone in public.
who wants to just stroll down the street and hear some chick screamin into her phone bout some irrational drama?
how can people mind their own business if nobody gives u a chance?
i catch the bus every week and ive heard my share of dramas over the phone.
if its really a drama then y cant they sort it out in person?
its a private thing and i dont think the world needs to hear