Can You Not Hear Me Now?

Lately, I've come across quite a few people who go to such great lengths to scold what they consider impolite behavior that they come off as enormous jerks.  Yesterday, I was talking on the cell phone with Emily when the elevator door opened.  I hadn't expected three other people to already be in the elevator, waiting to ride down, but I didn't think it would have been right to just hang up on Emily.  So I entered, talked in a much softer voice, then smiled sheepishly and apologetically at the three already in the elevator.  I also mouthed a 'sorry' to all of them.  This, however, was not enough of a sign of contrition to my fellow riders.  When I told Emily, "I'm flexible, so whenever you come will be fine," one of the ladies on the elevator looked at me and said, "Congratulations!  I'm glad you're flexible!" and laughed obnoxiously.  The elevator ride got extra awkward from then on.  And I couldn't exactly explain to Emily what was going on.  The lesson here, boys and girls, is that being rude is much more socially unacceptable at any time than small faux pas like talking on your cellphone in the elevator, especially when you already look like you're sorry.  And you're only trying to set a time to meet.  Because being nosy isn't neighborly.  I don't think the lady would have dared talked to me like that if I was older and looked like I might be a doctor.  Stupid youthful complexion.