Cell Phone Etiquette in Public

As more and more Americans are purchasing cell phones, there is a new etiquette specifically targeted at mobile phone users. While some of these rules are necessary, others are personal choices.

Choosing a ringtone for when you are in public can be a good idea. If you're waiting for a subway or bus, people around you do not want to listen to loud music playing every five minutes as you are taking incoming calls. One possibility would be to put the phone on Vibrate only setting, although in densely crowded you can not have easy access to reach when you do get a call. Another option is to schedule a backup ring that is milder than a song or a more traditional sounds like a ringing telephone.

Some phones allow you to program music that will play while a caller waits for you to take the call. Again, although it can be a fan of heavy metal music, your grandmother probably is not, and may end up hanging before having the opportunity to speak with her. Be respectful of all that can be called on the phone. Make a selection that most callers like to listen.

There is always a question of when and where you should turn off your cell phone turned off. While hospitals and planes are places that require you to do this, you can also turn it off in the theater or a library. Every conversation that you can try to have one of these places is going to disturb those around you. College classrooms and Sunday religious services are two other locations that can be done to turn it off. Allow your voice mail to pick it up and you can return the call later.

There is nothing wrong with answering your phone in a restaurant if you're working with colleagues or a group of close friends. It may not be correct, however, if you're dining with a friend or just celebrating a romantic dinner with your spouse. The friend may feel as if you prefer to speak with the caller that for him, and your spouse probably just get angry. Again, in these situations it may be better off just shutting the phone off.

Using the phone box in the aisle in a busy shop can not be a good idea, especially if there is a long line of people behind you. These customers may feel that the line is rising, even if they are not.

You should also always turn off the phone during a wedding or a funeral service. Receive calls while on such a solemn occasion may offend the family, and anger many of the other people who are here to pay tribute. Although this example may seem to be common sense to most adults, some younger people may not realize how disrespectful answer the phone can be on these occasions.

Again, the phone label is a personal choice. You should just be respectful of those around you and make you well.