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Step 1
Use good sense and discretion, and remember the golden rule. Would you want to listen to someone discuss nanny problems while you're watching a movie?
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Step 2
Put yourself in others' shoes. There are times when it is impolite to break a public quiet–—for example, where others are reading, relaxing, writing or thinking.
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Step 3
Learn either to take messages and call back when it's appropriate, or turn off your cell phone until you're in a place where you can talk.
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Step 4
Turn off your phone in places where even the ringer can be intrusive, such as performances of any kind (including school plays), libraries and restaurants. Believe it or not, people can hear you while you're on a cell phone.
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Step 5
Observe looks of annoyance, glares and stares. Reconsider your phone behavior if you're on the receiving end.
Comments
thisiswhyimhot said
on 3/10/2007 If you're in the car with other people, say, "excuse me, I have a phone call," before picking up, and try to end your conversation as soon as possible. Nothing's worse than having someone in the backseat talking on the phone, and not being able to tell if they're talking to you or another!
Anonymous said
on 9/26/2006 Nobody wants to hear your conversation when you're walking in the supermarket or outside walking around. No one is happy when your phone chirps and you have it blasted on speaker phone. Doing this is inconsiderate to not only those around you, but the person on the other end who might be saying things that are just meant for your ears only.
Anonymous said
on 9/13/2006 Nothing is more frustrating to be on a crowded bus or train with someone who is chatting away on a cell phone. It is one thing if you are quiet and have something important to tell someone (ie, my train is getting in at ___, can you please pick me up?) but it is quite another to be discussing loudly this week's football picks/celebrity sightings, etc.
Anonymous said
on 8/4/2006 Working at a retail store, I help customers who are on their cell phones quite frequently. The worst situation was when a woman pulled out a pad of paper to write and communicate with me while she was talking on her phone to someone. I found this to be extremely rude. Please be considerate of your cashiers and assistants when you go into a store. Talking on your cell phone while they are trying to help you is very disrespectful and rude.
Anonymous said
on 3/13/2006 I can't count the number of people who come into my work, on their cell phones and expect me to give them my attention when I don't have theirs. Please understand that if someone does not have your full attention, they will not help you! For example, the bank practices that if you are on your phone you will be skipped over! You can always call the other person back, it's very rude to be on your phone while demanding services from a business.