2 posts tagged “cell phones”

Cell phones are a modern convenience in today's society. Both adults and kids rely upon this convenience daily to connect with friends and family, download content from the Internet, and text-message one another. It can be a lifeline in an emergency, and a staple of modern work. Yet as ubiquitous as the cell phone may be in modern society, everyone has not been so well-versed in how to use a cell phone with regards to respect and manners.

Respect to those around you and the damned phone.

Funny thing, those cell phones, they say who is calling. And many of the good ones allow you to scroll through a list of previous callers at your convenience.

Here's the golden rule: the people you are with (in person) are more important than those potential callers. Heed more respect and attention to those in person.

1. Unless you are by yourself, or around very polite company, turn the ringer off.
2. Don't answer the phone while in the company, and especially the home, of others.
3. If the phone rings, don't look to see who is calling, unless, of course, you are expecting an emergency call, or a call that will change your plans and those whom you are with.
4. Only reply to texted-messages if you are in a large group, and attention is elsewhere in the room (consider: a large dinner party at a restaurant, a large corporate meeting, etc.)
5. Do not initiate text messages to others when in the company of others.
6. Do not initiate phone calls in the company of others, unless their input or participation is requested.

I personally find it rude when folks answer a phone in my home, my car, or during a meeting at work. When it's in their car, or their home, I have less domain to complain, but it can be equally rude. Etiquette suggests that you remove yourself from the "party" when making private calls, and the same should go for cell phones, even though the phone itself isn't located out of sight.

These scenarios suggest polite uses of cell phones:

• [Phone vibrates.] You check the call. "Everyone, excuse me for a moment, but my mother is calling about my dad's progress at the hospital." You take the call outside the purview of others.
• [Phone rings in car.] You turn the ringer-off function on.
• [Phone vibrates in your bag at a restaurant with another couple.] You ignore the vibration, unless it calls especial attention to itself.
• [Phone rings in a company meeting.] You check the phone, and it's your son. You take the call. NOT! Don't answer the phone! Turn it on vibrate, or to "OFF."
• You're on a date. You receive a text message. [Phone beeps quietly.] You check the message when your date uses the restroom.

It's tough wrestling with technology that demands our attention with beeps and vibrations. But consider the feelings and kindness of yourself and others when the thing rings. By answering calls, checking messages and phone feedback when in the company of others, it tells them "You don't matter as much to me," or "my time with you isn't all that valuable."

I've been with people who play it both ways. I'm impressed with those who save the calls for later. Personally, I'd rather leave you a message, as the external caller, than interrupt your date, meeting, or socialization with others. What an ass you feel when someone says "Oh, I'm on a date right now. Can I call you back later?"

Sure, but my apologies go to your date.