Unwritten Rules Of Cellphone Use: Okay At Dinner, Not At Church Or On A Date

Unwritten Rules Of Cellphone Use: Okay At Dinner, Not At Church Or On A Date

Tuesday, October 20, 2009 - by Shawn Oliver
Just a decade ago, mentioning the phrase "cellphone etiquette" would probably get your laughed at. Today, it's a reasonable conversation to have. Just as the world has taken to an unofficial list of inflight Wi-Fi rules, the mobile community is also largely abiding by an unwritten set of rules that guide cellphone users on what to do (and more importantly, not do) when using their phone in mixed company. A recent survey broke down exactly what you can/can't do, but here are a few of our favorites.
  • Using your phone to check emails, check scores, send a text message or make a phone call while someone else is talking to you is a big no-no.
  • Checking out an incoming SMS while someone's talking to you is super rude.
  • Sending an electronic "thank you" or "congrats" is perfectly acceptable if the person you're sending it to regularly uses their handset to communicate (in other words, your colleague is fine, but grandma...not so much).
  • Using your cellphone or laptop in the bathroom is perfectly acceptable--just rinse and lather afterwards!
  • Letting a mystery call go to voicemail is totally fine--you wouldn't want to pick up on someone that you were supposed to call back weeks ago, now would you?
  • Taking a business call at dinner is okay, but not during a date. Unless you want to kill the relationship, of course.
The survey found that over half of those who responded saw the cellphone (along with laptops and netbooks) as a vital part of their everyday life, with 55% of 'em thinking that the demands of business sort of forced them to stay wired (or unwired, as it were). That means that sometimes you have to take a call or SMS even during a meal or an intimate time with friends--despite just how crappy it is.



That said, there are a few times where using a cellphone is just not acceptable. The #1 place? In a church or temple. If you get a ring while prayer is going on, you best step outside to answer. Wouldn't want the gods to smite you, now would you? So, where do you draw the line? What's acceptable and not? What are some of your favorite cellphone do's and don'ts?
Via: Reuters | News Archive | Tags: smartphone, Cellphone, rules
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By kid007 on Oct 20, 2009

this people have never walk by a starbucks, or a friend gathering... "cell phone etiquette" hahahha

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By gibbersome on Oct 20, 2009

>>>

Using your cellphone or laptop in the bathroom is perfectly acceptable--just rinse and lather afterwards!
<<<

 

LOL, am I the only one that does this? I did take my gf's laptop to the bathroom once...she was not too happy. So no to taking other people's cell phone and laptop to the bathroom.

Also, please don't use your cellphone when in front of a cashier (such as grocery store or fast food restaurant)

 

 

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By acarzt on Oct 20, 2009

Yea, my GF works are HEB(grocery store) and she hates it when she is checking people out and they are talking on the phone.

Also... TALKING on the phone while your dropping deuce... uhhhh i'm not so sure on that one lol Texting however... that's fine.. no one will know anyway.

I remember one incident I was in the bathroom and some guy was working on something lethal in the stall... I heard a few grunts and such AND he was talking on the phone... loudly... seemed very odd and awkward lol

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By gibbersome on Oct 21, 2009

What else are you supposed to do on the toilet? It can get lonely on there sometimes....Sad

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By ClemSnide on Oct 20, 2009

@gibbersome: Well, it's hard to surf for porn when you're NOT in the bathroom. The people at the next table shoot such disapproving looks at you!

So it's OK at dinner, but not in church or on a date... So how about if you take your girlfriend to a church-run pancake dinner? Can you at least call your mom and tell her you got the Bingo jackpot? It's all too confusing.

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By kid007 on Oct 21, 2009

You guys need to go into like a mall or in your job, you could everyone texting. it has happen to me. its kind of funny. Beats the hey could you pass down the toilet paper joke (hahahahhaha)

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By realneil on Oct 21, 2009

If I get a call and it's from someone I love or care about, I'm taking it. I'll move out of the room or go outside, but my family is everything to me. If I'm doing something serious, at a wedding, funeral, or some such,.....my phone is off when I get there.

Etiquette can kiss my grits,...........

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