New to Cell Phone Etiquette
This is the first time I’ve ever had a cell phone. Surprised, aren’t you? We live in a day where even ten-year olds are part of a network, so why am I so late to the party? The truth is… I hate cell phones. I don’t like the idea of always being reachable, and I don’t like how people will put me on hold mid-conversation so they can text their buddy about what car to buy.
In a free talk, we were discussing good and bad manners, and all the students agreed that it is impolite to answer and talk on your phone during class. Five minutes later, the phone of the guy sitting in front rings, and he answers it… and he talks on it… in the middle of class. Speechless, I could only gape at him. The rest of the class laughed, because they knew exactly what I was thinking.
My mantra is that present company takes precedence over interrupters, so I usually don’t answer my phone or send messages when I’m with others. But now several people are upset with me because I do that. I’m confused. Who am I supposed to be polite to?! I tried to explain this to one friend, and she said, “I guess it’s one of those differences between Chinese and American culture.” Oh, but I was quick to point out that I’m just an exception. There really is no difference.
People were mad at me before I had a cell phone, because I didn’t have a cell phone, and now that I have a cell phone, people are mad at me, because I haven’t yet surgically attached it to my left hand. So please, enlighten me, what constitutes proper cell phone etiquette?
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Responses to “New to Cell Phone Etiquette”
Comments RSS Feed – All CommentsJR — 27 August 2008 @ 8:31 am
If there is polite use of cell phones, I sure haven’t seen it. I like your mantra “present company takes precedence over interrupters”, too bad not everyone can understand that.
Pollytorg — 27 August 2008 @ 8:45 am
I agree with JR. What’s your number so we can call you during class?
Dallas — 27 August 2008 @ 12:17 pm
It is necessary for you to have a ‘bluetoof’ earpeice so you can talk on the phone and people who are actually around you don’t know who you are talking to. It is lively!
Jessica — 17 March 2010 @ 9:00 pm
My favorite is when people have a bluetooth in their ear and the little light blinks constantly when they are with you. Like it’s saying, “Aaaaaany minute now, someone more important is going to call me. Prepare yourself.”
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