???There are many things that get under my skin: for example, slow drivers, snoring, smoking, Ugg boots, reality television and Paris Hilton. But those are issues for another time.
??? I am here to talk about campus manners ? or lack thereof.
???The last thing I should have to hear while I am reading over notes or typing a paper in the library is the latest Lil Wayne ring tone, followed by a 20-minute conversation about the mindless details of a person's life. I mean, seriously, just put the phone on vibrate and take the call outside.
???There is no reason myself or others in the library should have to listen to you and your girlfriend or boyfriend shoot the breeze.
???Maybe their idea of a library is different from mine. I thought libraries were supposed to be quiet places where you can get work done without rude distractions. Apparently, it is a place where people can utilize their rollover minutes to talk about the previous episode of CSI or Bret Michaels Rock of Love.
???Another issue that ties into being respectful to those around you is eating. Everybody needs to eat, and if you are like me you enjoy eating.
Fortunately, I am here to break the news: there is a time and place to snack and indulge. I also understand UB is a diverse population and we all come from different backgrounds, but eating chips/pretzels/Subway or Burger King in the middle of class is unbelievable. ???Come on now, I should be listening to the teacher, not the person next to me making love to their bag of Doritos.
Now me, not being a confrontational person, I just grit my teeth and stand in awe of these individuals and their crazy actions. I do, in fact, find it ironic that a person can talk on his or her phone or eat food right next to me, but if I were to ask them politely to stop, I would be the rude one.
???Obviously, all people do not see these actions as rude or distracting. This is why I would be entirely in favor of some sort of enforcement of no cell phones and food allowed in libraries and classrooms. Now I'm sure we have all been there, whether you were the annoying or the annoyed, but I think it is time we consider others around us.
???Sure, there will be distractions when we are in public, but I think it's time to start acting our age and being respectful of others around us. Hold doors, say please and thank you, chew with your mouth closed and for the love of God, be respectful of others around you.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
