Blue Tooth Headsets Are the New Rude

Ok, I'm sure this has been said before. As far as I'm concerned, however, it hasn't been enough and maybe to the wrong people. This might be one of those things that one non-offender says to another non-offender. But so long as it never gets said to the people doing the offending then it maintains it's place as harmless gossip. The people need to know. The people DESERVE to know.

So here it is: Take off your Bluetooth Earpiece when you don't need it. There are three occasions when it's ok to wear them. One, you're using it to talk. Two, you're in your car and you may get a call or intend to make a call. Three, you're at work and the same car rules apply.

I get it, you have your reasons, and they're good reasons. You don't want brain cancer, your arm gets tired, you don't want to mess up your hair or you like being able to interact with your phone while you talk. Amazing. Love it. Brilliant device. These are great and stick with them.

The thing is, it's just plain rude the way that so many people walk around with them in their ears these days. If you're in a restaurant eating with your wife, walking down the street with your kids or just chatting with a friend anywhere, then you need to think about the message you're sending.

Would you hold your phone up to your ear in these situations if you weren't on a phone call? It's bad enough the amount people check their BlackBerries every two minutes, and I'm somewhat guilty of that with my phone. But to leave that thing in your ear like you're important enough to get a call at any moment and put your loved ones on hold? That's seriously inconsiderate. And guess what? If you're really important and want to show it, then the call can wait. Important people don't put their incoming calls above their personal life. Who do you think you are, the secret service?

Oh, and trust me, it is not a fashion accessory. It does not make you look flashy, fancy, high-tech or cool. That's what your Oakley's, Crocs, PT Cruiser and the pager on your belt are for. You look like a little boy with a toy walkie-talkie communicator-thingy on your head. Where's your plastic gun and Gap Kids camo pants?

And as much as a Ferrari or some such automotive status symbol is annoying when it's clearly someone trying to show off or get attention (you true car lovers are off the hook), at least it's really expensive and decadent and does manage to draw envious eyes. But the intern on a donut run in front of me at Winchell's had a Bluetooth. If you can buy it at Best Buy and it's a bitch to get out of the plastic heat-sealed packaging, then it won't make you look like a baller.

Basically, here's the deal. I don't want you to get brain cancer, but I don't want you to look like an inconsiderate jerk either. Just take that bad boy out when you're not using it and give both ears to your family for a change. After all, the IHOP isn't a gadget conference. I'm not going to be impressed by your technological prowess. But I will respect your good social sense to leave the plastic in your pocket and enjoy a life unencumbered.