| s="h2">CELL PHONE DO’S AND | | | | chat with someone else on your time? Always turn |
| DON’TS | | | | your cell phone off or put it on silent vibrate when |
| More than a decade has gone by since the use of the | | | | going to the movies or to live performances such as |
| cell phone became universal, and yet many people still | | | | plays, concerts, comedy clubs, etc. A ringing cell phone |
| seem to be oblivious to the fact that there are rules of | | | | or conversation during a performance is disrespectful |
| etiquette surrounding its use. The modern need to be in | | | | not only to the audience around you, but to the |
| touch with all ... | | | | performers, particularly at live events. Special mention |
| More than a decade has gone by since the use of the | | | | should go to loud and annoying ring tones for incoming |
| cell phone became universal, and yet many people still | | | | calls. A window of three subsequent rings is sufficient |
| seem to be oblivious to the fact that there are rules of | | | | before the call goes to voicemail, and not everyone |
| etiquette surrounding its use. The modern need to be in | | | | may be amused by your cell phone’s Darth |
| touch with all people 24/7 through a cellular device has | | | | Vader ring tone, especially if it goes on too long. |
| grown enormously; meanwhile we ignore the human | | | | Texting or dialing while driving is not only rude, |
| being right in front of us. Times change, but some cell | | | | it’s dangerous. If that cell phone communication |
| phone rules don’t. Here is a short, common | | | | is all important, make sure you’re on hands free |
| sense guide to cell phone etiquette. Among the most | | | | or have pulled over while behind the wheel. According |
| annoying habits of rude cell phone users are talking too | | | | to a Harvard University study, 200 deaths and over |
| loudly and holding inappropriate conversations in public. | | | | half a million injuries are caused each year by improper, |
| For some strange reason, people feel the need to | | | | inconsiderate cell phone use. But there are other social |
| raise their voices while on their cell phones although the | | | | blunders associated with cell phone etiquette that are |
| phone’s microphone is entirely adequate to | | | | on the opposite end of the spectrum. Almost |
| amplify and carry their voices. Personal cell phone | | | | everyone screens a call they should otherwise |
| conversations should be kept personal, so offer to call | | | | answer. Sometimes screening is necessary, but you |
| the person back and find a more private place where | | | | must answer a call now and then, or you might |
| your discussion won’t intrude upon others. | | | | become very unpopular. While replying to a missed call |
| Places to avoid with cell phone use are libraries, | | | | with a text is acceptable, it’s a clear sign that |
| elevators, houses of worship, bank lines and commuter | | | | you can’t — or don’t want to talk. |
| trains and buses. Abruptly interrupting face to face | | | | Leave voicemail messages that are short and to the |
| conversations or other interpersonal activities to | | | | point, and, as importantly, make sure your own cell |
| answer your cell phone is another big no-no. How | | | | phone’s personal greeting is equally considerate |
| would you feel to stand around waiting while your | | | | of your caller’s time. |
| date, friend or family member initiated a long cell phone | | | | |