Top 10 cell phone etiquette tips

With nearly every human being on the planet over 12 years old in ownership of a cellular phone, it is necessary to have a few guidelines regarding the use of cell phones. Here are the top 10 tips for cell phone etiquette.

1. Your cell phone does not have to go everywhere you go. There are times when you should never answer your cell phone. Movie theatres, plays, and restaurants are no place for cell phones. Even more so, cell phones should be left in the car when you visit churches and funeral homes. At the very best, they should be on the vibrate setting during these times. If for any reason you do receive a phone call in one of these places, do not answer the phone. Discretely check the number to see who has called. If you think it may be an emergency, excuse yourself and return the call once you have stepped outside.

2. Do not let it be the end of you. If your cell phone rings while you are driving, wait until you have pulled over before you answer or return the call. Your life and the life of people around you are much more important than your phone call. If you are expecting an important call, your hands free attachment should be in your ear or in easy reach to allow you to answer your call effortlessly.

3. Watch where you are going; be alert. It is a good thing that cell phones are no longer called car phones because people use them while walking just as often as when they are driving. Just because you are engrossed in your conversation does not mean you should not be alert. Not only can you trip or bump into someone and cause an embarrassing situation, but you are putting yourself in a position to be mugged or worse because you are not paying attention to what is going on around you.

4. Use your quiet inside voice. Do not yell into your cell phone. Not only can the person you are speaking with hear you, but also so can everyone else within megaphone range. Be courteous of others right to peaceful enjoyment of whatever it was they where doing before you walked into the room.

5. Know your ring. Program a unique ring into your cell phone so you do not look like an idiot checking your phone whenever you hear a ring.

6. Save it for later. Certain discussions should not happen on the cell phone. Arguments for example, where you may not be able to control your emotions should not happen while you are driving, or even in full view of other people. First of all, you will look insane. Secondly, you can cause a driving hazard or scare small children. Likewise, do not have conversations about your personal business or anything X-rated. Passerbies really do not want to hear such conversations.

7. Excuse yourself. With the invention of wireless or near invisible cell phone earplugs people cannot tell whether you are talking to them, someone on the cell phone, or your invisible friend. Always say “excuse me” before starting a cell phone conversation and politely turn away before speaking to your caller.

8. Keep it short. In social situation where you are entertaining friends or clients, do not have long cell phone conversations. It gives the impression that you do not value the time of the person in front of you.

9. Let it ring. The world is not going to stop spinning if you ignore your cell phone ringer. If you are conducting important business, shopping, or even spending time with family, ignore the cell phone and return your call later.

10. Listen to the flight attendant. If they tell you, it will kill you, why do you do it. Do not use your cell phone after take off or as your airplane is landing. Doing otherwise is nothing more than a defiant attitude. Using one cell phone might not cause the airplane to fall from the sky and like a fiery meteor, but if other people follow your lead… You never know!