Does anybody practice cell phone etiquette anymore? I'm sure you, my beautiful readers, do, right? I sure hope so. In any case, I am appalled at how rude people can be when their cell phone rings.
First of all, when you're in a public place, I don't want to hear your obnoxious ringer or your fun little ringtone, and I'm sure others do not wish to hear it, either. Put your phone on vibrate, please. Save the ringer for when you are at home or in your car or somewhere else other than public. I have a guy that works with me and he has his phone as loud as it will go at all times when he is in the office. It is really annoying to hear a "DING!" every time he gets an email, especially when it is so loud that I can hear it two doors down. Is there a reason it needs to be on Volume setting 5?
Furthermore, if you answer your phone in public, please keep your voice down. Not everyone around you cares that you will be going on a date tonight or that you just bought some new pants or whatever it is you are talking about. And please, for the love of Pete, do not try to conduct a business transaction while you are on the phone. If you're in line at the grocery store, a retail store, the fast food restaurant, etc., and your phone rings either a) don't answer it and call the person back or b) ask them to hold. It's frustrating to be the person trying to complete a transaction/take your order/etc. while you are on the phone. Believe me, I know. I hate when someone is on the phone while I am trying to ring her up and I have to wait to ask her for her ID until there is a break in the conversation. It holds up the line. And then she can't juggle her purse, her purchases, and her phone, so she is dropping things everywhere. You can unglue yourself from your phone for 3 minutes, I promise. It will not kill you.
And furthermore, if you're texting while walking, please be aware of your surroundings. Holding up traffic at a crosswalk, running into people, etc. is unacceptable. Do not expect people to stop for you or move out of your way because you are not paying attention. The same goes for driving. Do not veer into my lane because your cell phone is consuming your attention. I will use my horn.
I'm glad I got that off my chest! Anything else that really drives you crazy about people's lack of cell phone etiquette? I'd love to hear!
Happy Friday, y'all :-)
In my office building, people consistently have personal cell conversation on the elevators. It is so annoying! Yesterday, I had to listen to some woman describe her medical issues in detail to someone on the phone in a tiny elevator. GROSS.
ReplyDeleteEVen better is when I walk into a bathroom and the chick next to me is talking on the phone while using the bathroom- ewww GROSSSSS - how do you explain that one to the person you are one the phone with?????
ReplyDeleteThat is a sure fire reason why I like working from home!! I used to hear certain ring tones out and about, and I would always think about the various coworkers who have those ring tones.
ReplyDeleteAmen!! Try having a parent/teacher conference with parents who are on the phone. Put it down for 5 minutes, people!
ReplyDeleteThe texting while walking thing is one of my biggest pet peeves. When we were leaving the Peach Bowl this group of girls ran right into us because they were texting and instead of apologizing, gave us a look like it was our fault. I. About. Blew. Up. Gah!
ReplyDeleteYesterday I was in a library and someones phone rang (loudly) and they answered..loudly! I mean seriously, you're in a library!
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, thank you!! Let me add- When you are ordering food, in line at the bank, or just in line in general- GET OFF THE PHONE- IT IS RUDE!
ReplyDeleteOh and my coworker has this ringtone: "Ring Ring...come one answer the phone...are you deaf?...I said answer the phone...It is the green button with the phone on it...answer the damn phone..." It rings all day, everyday! I am so sick of hearing it!
one=on
ReplyDeleteUgh...YES! A resounding yes! I loathe the lack of cell phone etiquitte in our society. It's completely unacceptable! Although technology does at times make our lives easier, I think it makes it so much more difficult because of the social stress it places on our interactions with others.
ReplyDeleteAs for me...I always keep my cell phone with me, but ALWAYS on silent! And absolutely no texting and driving! :)
Whew! Glad to hear there are at least a few old-school phone divas standing next to me! :)
What I just "love" is when I walk into a patient's room in the ER, and either they or their visitor are yakking away on the cell phones. I've learned to just start talking over them, because others will expect me to stand their and wait till they're ready for me to see them. Nuh uh, not gonna do it!
ReplyDeleteSheesh - that comment was full of spelling errors! Sorry!
ReplyDeleteOH my, I totally understand! I make sure to get off my cell when I'm in need of interacting with someone. You need to give these people a book on manners recommendation- maybe that 'hint' will whip them into shape!!!
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