General Etiquette > Life...in general
Cell Phone Rules - What are yours?
Sophia:
The post about Cell Phones and Williamsburg got me to think about cell phones. My rule is that cell phones are allowed when/where people can talk to each other, at the same or lower volume they use to talk to each other. So I would classify talking in a cell phone at a restaurant as fine, as long as you aren't shouting. I remember the very recent post about the guy on a bus having an argument with his girlfriend over the cell phone. At first, it seemed very rude. Now, I am wondering why it would have been less rude if they were both on the bus having the argument. What do y'll think?
Rude cell phone story: Maybe 5 years ago, my dad was chatting with a young woman at an office party. A young man at the party did not want to do the normal party thing of joining the conversation. So, he called her cell phone while they were both at the party. My dad is an extremely nice guy, whom everyone loves. If the turd had just walked up, dad would have excused himself.
Also, I actually appreciate the "Turn off the cell phone" reminder at the beginning of the movies. I would forget otherwise.
Chartreuse:
My rule of thumb for cell use: you probably do not need to be talking on the phone in public if it's not an emergency or if it can wait until you get home. It's nice to have the convenience of having it there if you need it, but it's still considered fairly rude if you're talking on it all the time. Better to not use it much than be one of those types. ;)
ShadesOfGrey:
--- Quote from: Sophia on December 14, 2006, 11:02:18 AM ---Now, I am wondering why it would have been less rude if they were both on the bus having the argument. What do y'll think?
--- End quote ---
I dont think it would have been less rude. Personal subjects are meant to stay personal. Nobody else should be exposed to "you f'n no-good, POS..." "but honey, I didnt mean to fall asleep while we were...." "I just cant stand that woman I hope she..."
My personal feelings are this (cell phone or not): If you would think it rude for me to comment on it if I hear it, then it shouldnt be said in public.
fklwmn:
--- Quote from: Sophia on December 14, 2006, 11:02:18 AM ---
The post about Cell Phones and Williamsburg got me to think about cell phones. My rule is that cell phones are allowed when/where people can talk to each other, at the same or lower volume they use to talk to each other. So I would classify talking in a cell phone at a restaurant as fine, as long as you aren't shouting. I remember the very recent post about the guy on a bus having an argument with his girlfriend over the cell phone. At first, it seemed very rude. Now, I am wondering why it would have been less rude if they were both on the bus having the argument. What do y'll think?
Rude cell phone story: Maybe 5 years ago, my dad was chatting with a young woman at an office party. A young man at the party did not want to do the normal party thing of joining the conversation. So, he called her cell phone while they were both at the party. My dad is an extremely nice guy, whom everyone loves. If the turd had just walked up, dad would have excused himself.
Also, I actually appreciate the "Turn off the cell phone" reminder at the beginning of the movies. I would forget otherwise.
--- End quote ---
Okay, my general rule of thumb is similar to yours. If I would have thi conversation @ this level of volume in this place or situation with someone in person,then I will do it on the phone. I will talk on the phone while dining alone or while shopping alone or even while driving, but never if I am out with others (unless it is a quick call for a specific purpose). Also, if I need to address someone else (cashier, salesperson, toll booth operator...) I will either get off the phone completely or put the call on hold and remove the phone/headset from my ear.
anywhere where any talking would need to be so quiet that the person I am on the phone with would have trouble hearing me (the movies, the library...) I will either turn off my phone or leave it on vibrate and excuse myself if I get a call that I need to answer.
BTW... My pharmacy recently put up signs saying that due to new Federal Privacy regulations they will not service customers who are on the phone. I didn't think anything about this until I went through the drive through last night to drop off and then pick up my prescription with 3 other people in my car.
They had no trouble servicing me then, when it would have been a much bigger privacy violation b/c the people in the car are MUCH more likely to hear our conversation than someone on the other end of the phone. If you don't want to deal with rude people talking on the phone while you are trying to help them, then just put up a sign saying you will not service people who are on their phones. Why blame it on Federal Regulations? Besides, the same notice @ the front counter (where you cannot purchase prescriptions, just normal OTC stuff and other purchases like lawn chairs and toys...) kind of gives it away that it's not a privacy issue...
sweedetobee:
Not a rule that I created, but my favorite rule is that at the pharmacy near my apartment (it is a CVS if you're curious) they have a sign posted at the counter that says to please turn off your cell phone in this area.
I like it because 1) it helps the people behind the counter 2) it helps all of us waiting in line as the line is not held up by someone on the phone not paying attention to the person behind the counter and 3) I don't even want to spell my last name or confirm what my prescription is for when someone else is on the phone. I am not that loud and I'm sure the person on the other end of the phone can't hear me but it just feels like an invasion of privacy for some reason.
Personally I find that I have this bizarre habit of talking louder when I'm on my cell phone. So I try never to talk on it on my commute or in enclosed public places. But if I'm out taking a walk or in the car with my husband I'll chat away.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version