Psychology of eavesdropping
I've often wondered why people get their hackles raised by listening to someone talking on a cell phone in a restaurant while other people just talking to each other across the table at the same volume doesn't bother nearly as many people (I'm not counting the irritating musical rings in this.)
There must be something about hearing both sides of a conversation that helps the brain tune it out. Or maybe just hearing one side creates mental frustration.
What do you think?