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Cellular Phone Etiquette
By Sharon Housley
Today's society is all about being connected 24/7. Cell phones now provide
instant access to anyone and everyone, from corporate executives to housewives
and children alike. While cellular connectivity is a comfort to some, it can be
rude and disruptive to others. You may wish to be available at all times, but
there are some times when it is simply not appropriate to use your cell phone.
Also, cell phones should not be treated as status symbols, and should not be
paraded out simply to impress others. Regardless of how new and impressive your
cell phone may be, dragging it out in a public setting is seldom going to win
you any fans.
Follow these simple cell phone guidelines to strike a balance between
accessibility and consideration for others...
Movie Theaters
When you are in a movie theater, respect others around you who are there to
actually watch the movie and are trying to listen. Turn your phone off
completely, or at least switch it to vibrate only so as to not disturb the other
movie-going patrons.
Restaurants
When you are dining out in a restaurant, those you are with deserve the courtesy
of your attention. It is rude to your guests or companions to speak to or text
others while you are dining.
Appointments
When you have a professional appointment, whether it be an appointment with your
hair dresser, doctor, etc., it is time to give the phone a break.
Hospitals
Hospitals often restrict the use of cell phones in specific areas, because the
cell signal could possibly interfere with electrical equipment used to maintain
life support or monitor the health of patients. Be respectful and courteous of
hospital rules that dictate the use of cell phones.
Live Performances
When attending live performances, whether a play, a speech, or a musical
presentation, have the courtesy to turn your phone off.
Religious Ceremonies
Whether at a church wedding or a funeral, the cell phone should be muted.
Regardless of your religious affiliation, when you find yourself in any house of
worship, you should always keep the phone turned off. If an absolute emergency
occurs, and you find yourself needing to use your cell phone in an inappropriate
area, make an excuse to leave and seek out a private area to have your
conversation. Keep your voice quiet, as there is no need to share your
conversation with others.
If you must take a phone call in a public setting, be as brief as possible, as
that is not the proper time or place for idle chit-chat.
Sharon Housley manages marketing for
FeedForAll software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and
podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for
NotePage, Inc. text messaging software. |