Cone of Silence (Perceived)

Joining the security line at a Texas airport, the tall, bald, gentleman in the crisp suit was in no condition to navigate. He was engaged in a cell phone conversation with someone far away. Someone important enough to exact his every iota of attention.

It's a wonder he had enough free cortex space to put one foot in front of the other, but that's the mystery of we humans - we are pretty coordinated beasts, even with our minds on hold.

What struck me more than his ability to follow the line, was his seemingly utter disregard of those of us in line with him. He acted as if he was alone in his long-distance conversation - or truer, that he and his phone companion were alone together in some private space, where they could converse freely. Whatever he had to say on his end, he either didn't mind, or didn't notice, that complete strangers were listening in (whether we wanted to or not).

Now, Mister Tall and Bald is not alone in this behavior. I am certain I've done it. Probably so have you. We are all, at one time or another, wrapped in our own 'Cone of Silence' - perceived, but not real.