Seriously people, this is getting ridiculous. Do you have to be available 24/7?

One of the most embarrassing cell phone situations I’ve experienced was when I walked into a public restroom with only two stalls.

I had assumed the position and tried not to think about the other woman in the adjoining stall who was no doubt also taking care of business.

Usually, the only thing I have to be concerned with in a public restroom is doing what I need to do without getting distracted. In other words, I try not to listen to other people.

If I listen, then I start to wonder what superhuman bladder they must have to hold that much pee.

Also, occasionally, I have wondered what kind of equipment they have to enable them to pee in short, quick bursts.

There are also moments when I know someone is in the next stall, but they are completely quiet, like they are listening to me. Awkward.

Honestly, I like to avoid such ruminations if at all possible. There are so many better, more practical things to contemplate while in the restroom, like considering who thought it was a good idea to place toilet paper receptacles at the height of a toddler and figuring out how to turn around without touching any walls.

So minding my own business and focusing on random questions regarding restroom cleanliness, it appeared that this would be just like any other visit to the facilities.

Until it happened.

Her cell phone started ringing.

Loudly.

Ok, that is odd. I thought briefly. I tried to ignore it.

Then, the unthinkable happened.

Instead of just turning it off, she answered it. She started chatting with the caller on the phone very casually as if she was seated at her desk, not on a toilet bowl.

Now, what is so important that she had to answer her phone in a public restroom?

Why would you even bring your phone into the bathroom? Emergencies?

I don’t even want to think about that one.

The truth is, when a cell phone rings, it is rarely – if ever – an emergency.

She was casually giving someone directions, planning on meeting up for dinner.

Regardless, it could have been taken care of later.

And here I was needing to go and feeling very odd that it was about to be broadcasted over AT&T’s network.

She was casually giving someone directions, planning on meeting up for dinner. And here I was, needing to go and feeling very odd that it was about to be broadcasted over AT&T’s network.

I contemplated proclaiming loudly, “Please turn off your cell phone!” or even “Tell them you will call them back.”

In the end, I just went ahead, feeling thankful no grunts or groans were needed. Even if they were, I figured whoever it was on the other end only had her to thank for the additional background noise.

This is a bathroom after all, not a phone booth.