Bluetooth bothers me. There, I said it.
And it’s not just because the name reminds me of bad dental hygiene.
It’s more than that.
When they first came out, I seriously thought they were fancy hearing aids. Which was cool.
But then I realized that people actually chose to affix them semi-permanently to their ears. Which was not cool.
Still, I said to myself: Self, try not to be so judgmental. Maybe these people are all just very, very important. And so I tried.
And then the other day I was in the bathroom of a movie theater. I had held my pee for the duration of the movie, so when I was finally able to go, it was like a little moment of zen (you’ve been there, too, I dare say).
But then I heard incessant, one-sided, gossipy chatter in the stall next to me.
Why would someone bring their cell phone into the bathroom? said the germophobe inside of my head.
But as I walked to the sink alongside the chatting woman, I noticed that yes, while she was indeed talking, she was not talking to another person. Nor was talking into a cell phone.
No, she did not have schizophrenia (that I know of). She had Bluetooth.
But not only that. It was a pink, “blinged-out” Bluetooth headset (and the bling didn’t stop there, let me tell you – it was on the nails, rings, earrings, sunglasses, you name it).
I tried to be open-minded here, self. I tried to make you proud. But I just couldn’t help but think it screamed tacky.
OK, I guess if we’re going to scream it, we may as well scream it:
TACKY!
Since it perplexed me that seemingly reasonable people would choose to attach to their ear all day what amounts to a miniature cell phone, I decided to do a little field research. Maybe I was missing something. Maybe they really are a necessity for some.
So I Googled “pink Bluetooth headset” (I do have a life, it’s just that Steve was at a football game and I… OK, yes, I need a hobby). I found what I believe to be the pink Bluetooth headset in question.
One of the features listed for this headset reads: A separate volume control on the Motorola Bluetooth Headset lets you raise and lower the call volume as you move from place to place-from bedroom to boardroom, cafe to conference, or presentation to party.
Bedroom. Boardroom. Presentation. Humph.
Are we really going to be fielding calls in these places?
And if so, is reaching into our purse or briefcase – or onto the bed stand – going to send us over the edge?
The answer for me would be no.
I would also say no to the question: Must we make the whole world – including movie theater bathroom patrons – witness our private and uninteresting conversations?
But then again, I do have a germophobe speaking to me from inside my head, so what do I know?
My friend Barbie uses one and I hate that thing! Plus, it is hard to hear her on it. I usually tell her to call me later.
Yuck. And that’s about all I have to say about that.
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! I have hated these things forever! It drives me absolutely batty every time I stupidly think someone is talking to me. Then I see their headgear. Ugh! Batty! Damn batty!
The first time I saw one of those things, it was being worn by a 20-yr old to his great-grandmother’s funeral!! The first two things I thought were 1) Are you kidding me?!? and 2) Have you become a Borg or something?!?
As far as I can see, it’s all about trying to look like “somebody”. I wish they’d get a clue. It just looks ridiculous.
I think all those people talking away to themselves in the Bluetooths are completely nuts.
I could not agree more.. my brother in law had a professor in College wear one DURING CLASS!! I am sorry, but what is so important as to merit a phone call during class? If it is that important, than you should be able to pick your phone up. I have to say that I have Handfree bluetooth in my new car.. you speak through the microphone that is hidden somewhere?? and the voice of the person you are talking to comes through the speakers… TOTALLY awesome!
I HATE THOSE THINGS!!!
My husband and I went out for dinner, and their was this man sitting kitty corner from me. I kid you not – I couldn’t even concentrate on the conversation my husband and I were having, because the blue light kept blinking, and I kept staring at it! I’m a weirdo – I know! 😉
I hate these things! I guess my biggest problem is the fact that there are times when I just don’t want to be reached, the movie theatre bathroom being one of them. I also hate text messaging. Why people think that typing for twenty minutes on a tiny little keypad just to say hello to someone isn’t a waste of time is beyond me. When did we all become so self important?
I hate them and think they look truly ridiculous. I do not have one. I have a cell phone in my purse (okay so it’s a diaper bag – but nevermind), and if someone needs me that badly I can be reached, (if I so choose!)
Did I mention I think they’re ridiculous?
The only time I’ve really seen them much is at work – our help desk person wears one so she can move around the office while fielding calls. I think it’s very useful for that kind of thing. But for what you’re describing? Ewww…. I think that would drive me nuts too!
AMEN!!
Bluetooth users strike me as members of the Star Trek Borg.
i agree, self important people on their cell phones are so annoying, blue tooth only makes it worse…
The first time I saw one of those things, I though the person was a cyborg or at least had a HUGE hearing aid.
I have to confess I just bought one for my husband. However, in his defense I got it because he makes a lot of business calls from home and it would be a huge help for him to be hands-free roaming the house (& helping me watch the kids so I can shower!). He is NOT one of those who would talk with it in all over the place in public. I probably will be returning it though as he told me he’s perfectly capable of putting his phone to his ear and using it the old-fashioned way.
I’m afraid I don’t have time to comment. Too important. You know the type…lol?!
I have no idea what you’re talking about. In fact, I have TWO pink bling toofs (that’s what the cool kids call them), one on each ear. I’m seriously THAT important, and everything I have to say must be said WITH NO HANDS.
Don’t be jealous.
I CAN’T STAND those things either!!! My phone can come with one but I refuse to buy one for it, b/c if I want hands free I’ll just use speaker! How funny that she had it blinged-out!!! LOL!
The first time I saw one of these things was at Newark Airport. I thought the guy was crazy and just talking to himself. All of these people talking on cell phones is just so unneccessary. What conversation is so important that you need to have it in the bathroom at the movies? NONE! She was probably ignoring whoever she was actually there with at the time too. It’s just rude all around. I give the Blue Tooth a thumbs up for hands free driving, but that’s about it.
I was out shopping the other day when I saw two teenage kids with their mom – BOTH had one of these on!!
I don’t even own a cell phone (that’s what I’m hoping to get for my birthday, as I have two in elementary school now – more of a safety precaution for when I am out – otherwise, I don’t want to be bothered by incessant phone calls)
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in a store when someone starts talking beside me. I answer and quickly find out that there’s that ‘borg’ thing attached and they look at me like I’M the idiot for answering!
I can understand using them in your car (plus it cracks me up to see people “talking to themselves”!).
I hate to admit that I am one of these people, except that mine is black not pink and I only use it in the airport when my hands are full of luggage or in the car. Thankfully I have long hair which covers it so I just look like a fool who is talking to herself.
I haven’t seen the blinged out ones, is there ANYTHING people in this country won’t bedazzle?
Those things bother the heck out of me! I can’t stand them!!
It always looks like they have a cockroach in their ear. I hate them!
Can you say, “Beam me up Scotty!”
Excellent post, Jane! I’ve always wondered about that too. I would never get one of those things! I do have a cell phone, but there are times when I think it’s nice to not be able to be so readily available to others. Like when having supper with friends at a restaurant…I think it’s incredibly rude to answer your cell phone and start talking away while your friends are sitting there waiting for you. That’s just me though! LOL!
Love the post! You always make me laugh 🙂
I hate the fact that people talk on their cell phones so loudly while in public, much less a blinged out bluetooth! I have heard a few rumors that the airlines may consider removing the no phone rule on flights. Can you imagine?? People in such a confined space ALL talking on their cell phones. Is it so wrong or bad to be unavailable sometimes! Of course, we are glad for those who were wise enough to make a call from their phones on 911 but other than an emergency – a phone should be used discreetly. Why does the person on the cell phone/bluetooth find their call SO important that everyone in the room MUST hear THEM talk! I wish people would just step outside to take a call, just b/c they CAN talk anywhere doesn’t mean they should!
Love this post! I so agree!!
OMG, LMAO. Bluetooths ARE the tackiest thing!
p.s. i love the new design of your website!
When out shopping I am forever thinking the person next to me is talking to me…only to discover Bluetooth. Don’t like them, makes people look and sound weird.
I hear ya!! I thought that was the only one who HATES these things! One of my major pet peeves. People walk around talking to themselves and they think it’s cool. The other day at Target, there was a husband & wife with matching sets with the blinking lights. They look like Mr. Spock!
AMEN!!!! Glad I’m not the only one with that pet peeve!
The cyborg look is so NOT in!
Preach on! I am right there with ya!!!
i feel the same way. there was a lady at church with one on her ear. it drove me nuts, and you know what, i think i didn’t pay attention the entire sermon. i was just waiting for the thing to ring or for her to start talking! LOL
i loved this post!!!
Amen! Oh how I hate the bluetooth! Although I must add, my husband has crossed over to the darkside and I don’t think he plans on coming back. I think bluetooth does turn you into a cyborg. 😉
Here here! Tonight two men walked into Panera bread and they both had those darn things on. They were both talking, and at first I thought they were talking to each other. But as they sat down in the booth next to us, I realized they were both talking to someone on their cell phone. Finally they both hung up, but still had those ugly things hanging from their ears.
I suspect that in 15 years these bluetooth people will look back at pictures of themselves and say “WHAT WAS I THINKING?????”
LOL! One time this lady was talking to herself in the grocery store for FOREVER in one aisle about snack foods and I thought for sure she had a Bluetooth.
But, as I got closer, I realized she had nothing at all and was just talking to herself. Kinda creeped me out, lol.
I personally think it’s important that all my friends have the opportunity to hear me in the bathroom so I always wear my Bluetooth. I’m totally kidding! It’s bad enough I have two little kids pounding on the door.
I so agree with you. I hate these things. No one (well except maybe the president) needs to be reachable all times of every day. Heck, most people don’t even need cell phones, is what you have to say really so important it can’t wait till you get home or back to the office?? Not to mention that most people who have these devices use them when they are with opther people. Putting the real people on hold to talk to someone on the phone, is just not okay.
Honestly? What I don’t like about it is the expectation that it creates. It’s the same reason why I am inconsistent with my cell phone. I hate that people feel entitled to get in touch with me AT ALL TIMES (socially, I mean…I have no problem being on call). Getting away from it all will soon be a thing of the past and that creeps me out, frankly.
Oh, and OTJ’s The Borg thing…I’ve thought that, too.
AND and and…(I’m sorry, you’ve obviously triggered something here)…there’s no way that so many people are that indispensable. During the great blackout of 2003, when they were telling everyone here not to go into work unless they were indispensable, thousands of people dragged their sorry asses into work who were NOT indispensable. What is it about North American culture that makes us find validation in such a thing? Sigh. Needless to say, I stayed home.