My Rant: Imposing cell phone etiquette

I don't understand this need for constant communication with other people. Over the past couple of days, the same people have repeatedly complained about my cell phone "habits" (I guess you would call them). Though I don't think they're my habits, so much as they are my personality.

Who made it a law that if you ever receive any form of communication (call, text, voicemail) on your cell phone, you are morally obligated to return it immediately, punishable with the threat of hours of nonsensical complaining?

Here's the situation: Sometimes, I'm in meetings. During the days, my cell is on silent and I forget to put it on vibrate. Other times, I am on the phone when you send me a text. I sleep as well. Why do you feel that because I own a cell phone that none of these things are valid reasons for me NOT answering you!?!?!?!!?

My personality is such that I don't mind not seeing my friends or speaking to friends on a daily basis. Every couple of days, weeks, in some cases months is enough. I will check and in when i check in, we catch up on each other's lives, enjoy a chat, share some funny stories. I do not need to know how many times they brushed their hair, what their garbage can smells like or the last time they did their laundry. But hey - that's just me.

What's wrong with talking to people when you need to? I am the first to admit that I'm not the role model to have when it comes to keeping in touch with people, but I make my efforts and I'm honest about it. BUT if I know I am going to see you everyday, for a good chunk of time, I don't need to also be in constant communication with you over text messages.

Now I'm getting complaints from people (well one person started it, complained to others, now they're complaining to me about it) that I don't reply ever. It's like if I don't have the same habits of being glued to my phone as they do, then I'm rude.

I feel like if it's really necessary to speak to me, uregntly, about something, give me a call at work. Otherwise, it can wait. I try to keep updated on the calls, the voicemails and the texts I receive, but if you're flooding my inbox with useless stuff when I'm at work, out with other people, running errands or carrying grocery bags, then have the courtesy to wait for a response when it's convenient.

Having a cell phone does not mean that you must be at the beck and call of the people who have your contact information. It means that it is easier to get in contact with a person. The rules that apply for a landline shoudl apply for a cell phone - and if you tell me that you have caller ID and have never avoided a call then you must be Martha Stewart like and it's kinda creepy.

Even after all this, it hasn't changed anything. That person will continue telling people that I selfishly use other people, people will still complain to me, I will have to choose whether to give in to them or tell them off, but for now, I just say screw it.