Minding Your Mobile Manners

Whether it’s lunch with a friend who doesn’t think twice about taking a call while you sit patiently waiting, at the movies sitting near Tommy the texter or in the elevator with someone doing their best cell yell, we’ve all been in situations where someone isn’t minding their mobile manners.  This month, National Cellphone Courtesy Month, is the perfect time to brush up on our cellphone etiquette.   

1. Be mindful of how loud you are talking in public and don’t have personal conversations where others can hear you.  You never know who may be listening. 
2. Step aside or leave the room if possible when taking a call in public.
3. Don’t take a call when involved in face-to-face conversation.  If you know that you are expecting an important call that you must take, let your companions know ahead of time. 
4. Don’t text/email/check your phone while involved in face-to-face conversation.  It’s just plain rude and makes the other person feel like they’re not interesting or important to you.
5. Put your phone on silent when in theaters, restaurants, trains, buses, the doctor’s or dentist’s office, museums and other enclosed public spaces. 
6. Don’t have conversations in cramped or small spaces such as elevators, trains and waiting rooms.
7. Choose your ring tone wisely – no annoying, offensive or vulgar ringtones. 
8. Don’t talk on the phone when ordering at a drive through or while at a counter making a purchase
9. Don’t text and drive! There is nothing more rude than risking the lives of others on the road to read or send a text. Learn more about the dangers at itcanwait.com.