Cellphone etiquette 101
October 15th, 2006 - Posted in OtherThe facts are out - more than 200 million people in the United States own cell phones. Call the gadget a life-saver, a toy, a blessing or a blight, the ability to babble anywhere continues to beckon.
While most readily admit the cell phone’s usefulness, a swarm of annoying behaviors are jangling the nerves of captive listeners, ranging from minor inconveniences - petty blather from a nearby diner - to an upper-crust faux pas - obnoxious rings coinciding with artistic pauses during a symphony performance.
Pleas for wireless manners hail from Internet etiquette lists, college and high school handbooks and congregational bulletins.
Their basic premise? A little common sense might disconnect a lot of bad habits.
According to the experts, Mrs. Proto-call suggests:
· If the call is personal and within earshot of others, make it brief; otherwise exit stage left.
· Choose ring tones you won’t regret.
· Remember cell phones are still useful when mute.
· Understand that yelling won’t make the connection better. · Review the dictionary meaning of “intrusive.”
· Spend time with your companion without a cell phone stuck to your ear.
· Program your index finger to push the mute button at the entrance to theatres, concerts and museums.
© Suburban Newspapers 2006