Bee Editorial
Cell phones - convenient, but sometimes rude
Envision it. You're sitting at a fancy restaurant, engaging in a pleasant conversation

with a friend. At the next table, a person's cell phone rings, and he or she answers it. That person then engages in a loud, personal conversation.

Instead of excusing himself or herself, the individual airs his or her dirty laundry for the entire restaurant to hear. Sometimes the situation is comical, but other times it can ruin the night of a complete stranger.

This is a trend that is occurring everywhere - at the mall, in the office and even at home. Since cell phones have become popular, many Americans have become rude and inconsiderate of the people around them.

Privacy no longer seems to matter to people. They talk freely in public about virtually any topic - their doctor's appointment, financial situation, office conflicts or affairs of the heart. They don't care who's listening.

People no longer feel they can leave home without this conversation gadget attached to their hip. They take it to the gym, Grandma's house, on vacation, everywhere they go.

Yes, cell phones can be a convenient way to talk to friends and family. People can also do business at anytime of the day from anywhere in the world. Cell phone users seem to be always accessible.

But the technology also gives people the option to hit the "ignore" button. There is nothing worse than trying desperately to contact someone and after two rings the person's voice mail picks up.

Cell phones also allow people to avoid face-to-face conversations. It has become easier to discuss matters over the phone. People use the device as a way to get to know each other; instead of meeting for a cup of coffee they talk on the telephone.

Some even take the technology one step farther and prefer text messaging, a feature that allows a person to send an electronic message.

Text messaging has become a trend, with some Americans sending more than 13,000 texts in one month. That's 542 messages per day and nine per hour.

Are these people engaging in a regular social conversation? Probably not. So, instead of sending a text message, consider speaking to the person.

And rather than answering your phone, no matter where or with whom, take a moment to excuse yourself and move your conversation to a more private area.

The person next to you doesn't want to hear about your relationship problems or what your doctor said.