It seems impossible to go anywhere these days without being irritated by some telephone conversationalist who simply cannot wait until later to talk. What drives me to distraction is the reverence attributed to this small electronic gadget that has the inordinate habit of "sounding off" whenever I am halfway through a conversation myself.

Every morning the same ritual is in progress as I jostle for room on the metro. The young 20-something sifting anxiously through her handbag, as the high-pitched ring tones of her travelling companion break my train of thought. The vociferous tones of an excitable commuter two carriages down, informing us all that he has just cracked a major business deal. The image conscious teenager compulsively texting his mates on his state-of-the-art device.

What do they all have in common? They are completely oblivious to the outside world.

The cell phone has certainly created an unwanted intrusion in our lives and sacrificed civility and good manners in almost every society. I often ask myself why anyone would want to discuss the finer points of their private lives in such public places as trains, buses, restaurants or private functions. Cell phones also seem to incite raised voices from both parties and even those who don't want to hear your intimate details become a captive audience when trapped at close quarters. After all, does everyone within earshot need to know that the maid has just quit, the dog died earlier and the wife's run away?

That said, cell phones have their upside. As a safety measure and instant form of communication in times of trouble or emergency, this little device could be your lifesaver. It's all about knowing when a where to draw the line between responsible ownership and obnoxious behaviour. A friend of mine, not from Shanghai I might add, frequents a restaurant that has introduced special seating for customers with an "allergy" to cell phone exposure.

"Will that be smoking or non-smoking?"

"Non-smoking with or without cell phones?"

Being subjected to unwanted interference in public places is becoming an issue and cell phone rage, along with road and air rage is on the rise. Live a little, give a little and respect the personal space of those around you. Remember that good cell phone etiquette is all about providing the user with convenience and security, without intruding on those around you.

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