I don’t think the general population knows how frustrating it is to converse with someone who is on their cell phone. This is especially nerve racking when you are at a busy retail store. This is particularly true when you are the person behind the counter, waiting on the customer. Working with the public has made me extremely jaded towards these types of people. Mainly, it’s because you are unsure if they are speaking to you or the other person on the end. Also, they will proceed to apologize to the person on the other line when in reality it should be to me for having to put up with them and their insensitivity.

Next time you’re in a retail store, please pause, put your cell phone away for two minutes, look me in the eyes and order a beverage. It will minimize confusion and I guarantee you, having a chat with your barista isn’t so bad.