How Much Is Too Much?

Really. How much is too much information to share on public transportation? And whatever happened to inside voices? I've had to hear stories about health problems, disputes in every language, cuss-words in any and every language, teary eyed conversations... often happening via cell phone. It's not that I don't have one or like to use it, but...sometimes it's just TMI for a public conversation where onlookers think you're the only crazy one yelling...

One day, on a packed Orange line train bound for work, gripping onto poles and handles to stay upright, there was a guy sitting down next to me, who sounded and looked like a teenage boy. More importantly, he was sharing way too much information over the cell phone. I couldn't tell if he was being intentionally ridiculous, or if that was his personality. Either way I was laughing along with the woman standing next to me..

"They're taking medicaid out of my check. Isn't that health insurance? ... We're in a recession. People don't need health insurance they need jobs. When I get sick, I take my ass to CVS. Some cough drops fix me better than any doctor. We're in Massachusetts, we're supposed to have some of the best doctors. That shit's expensive though."

Health insurance is expensive, Sir. But my guess is you'd need fewer cough drops if you could take your voice down a notch. Just a suggestion. Although, that would mean less comedy for all. Nevermind, stay loud.