Your Two Cents on Cell Phone Etiquette: What Habits Drive You Batty?
Sunday May 4, 2008
While cell phones are pervasive in every aspect of society, sometimes not being on yours – or not even having it visible – is what a situation demands. Yes, I’m speaking of the ever-touchy subject of cell phone etiquette.
While not answering your phone in a movie theater or at dinner is a given, I frequently see other taboo uses. For example, I absolutely fail to comprehend why someone needs to talk on a cell phone while conducting business of a personal nature in the restroom.
While most people are respectful of the no-talk rule at a dinner table, why must some of us leave our phones on the table while we’re eating? At a time that’s clearly inappropriate, doing so looms the notion of interruption.
Those are just a couple irking cell phone behaviors that get under my skin. What bad cell phone habits vex you?
While not answering your phone in a movie theater or at dinner is a given, I frequently see other taboo uses. For example, I absolutely fail to comprehend why someone needs to talk on a cell phone while conducting business of a personal nature in the restroom.
While most people are respectful of the no-talk rule at a dinner table, why must some of us leave our phones on the table while we’re eating? At a time that’s clearly inappropriate, doing so looms the notion of interruption.
Those are just a couple irking cell phone behaviors that get under my skin. What bad cell phone habits vex you?
Comments
I hate it when people use cellphones on public transportation, forcing fellow passengers to become their unwilling audience.
Completely agreed, Allura. Especially in those scenarios, I see people think they need to talk much more loudly than necessary for the other party to hear. In truth, phones are designed for you to speak in your regular talking voice.
In the locker room at the gym. There are signs in there asking to take calls in the lobby. As, usual. if I say something they act as if I am the problem, not them….
Inappropriate in a waiting room, where others hear you speak loudly on your phone, while trying to have their own “quiet” conversation or read a magazine.
Inappropriate at checkout, while the checker is speaking to you and you need to be free to make your payment.
Of course, quite distracting and dangerous while driving (this is a much larger conversation).
Whenever someone else is talking, you picking up your cellphone does not trump the conversation … if you NEED to take the call, leave the area.