How to Follow Cell Phone Etiquette at the Table

These days, practically everyone has a cell phone and it can feel impossible to live without it at times. However, it's important to note that etiquette rules governing cell phone use have come with cell phone proliferation. It is not proper to use your cell phone in all situations, one of those occasions being at the dinner table. If you don't want to upset your dining companions and others around you, it's important to follow proper cell phone etiquette at the table.

Instructions

1. Remember to turn your cell phone to vibrate or the off position when you enter a restaurant or sit down at the table in someone's home.

2. Inform your dining companions upfront if you are expecting an important call that might interrupt, and apologize ahead of time. If you give your companions forewarning, it will make them feel less jilted when you opt to take a call.

3. Avoid checking your phone if it vibrates in your pocket while sitting at the table. If you must check it, do so discreetly under the table.

4. Excuse yourself and leave the table to take an emergency call. There are sometimes when you simply must take an important call when you are eating with someone else. Consider what really constitutes an emergency, however, before you step away from your companion.

5. Keep your voice down when talking in a restaurant, even if you are away from the table. If possible, go outside to talk.

6. Follow your return to the table with another apology for taking the call. Even if you have forewarned your dining companions, it's good etiquette to ask forgiveness for the impropriety.

Tips & Warnings

• It is mildly acceptable to use a cell phone at the table to give directions that another dining companion needs to follow to find your table. In this situation, however, try to keep your voice as low as possible so as not to disturb other patrons.

• Don't be surprised if you get a polite rebuke from restaurant staff if you breach cell phone etiquette. Some restaurants ask patrons to refrain from cell phone use while eating as a matter of policy.

• Never put your cell phone on the table so that you can see it. Some people do this so that they can see who is calling when they cannot answer it, but this is not acceptable etiquette. It makes your dining companions feel like they are not as important as who might be calling you.