We can all hear you now! Cell Phone Etiquette

Have you ever been seated in a restaurant, already to eat your dinner, when your cell phone rang? Do you answer it and talk to whoever is on the other line or do you reach out and mute it, not wanting to disturb anyone? The correct thing to do would be to turn your cell phone off when you go into a restaurant or another place where your phone calls may disturb others. However, if you forgot to turn it off and it rings, mute it so others do not have to hear it.

While cell phones have made our lives easier, they have also made it possible to annoy others. Many individuals think nothing of using their cells phones in public places, such as the subway, restaurant, or even a live performance. The most important thing to remember, however, is that it is not the cell phone that is causing these problems. It is the cell phone user. If you are the owner of a cell phone, you may want to consider getting to know the proper cell phone etiquette.

When you have a cell phone, it is very important to not talk on your phone when you are in restaurants, museums, libraries, or other places where quiet is expected. Such places include hospitals, churches, and waiting rooms. The fact is if you are in an enclosed public place, be safe and do not use your cell phone. If, however, it is an emergency and you must talk to on your phone, it is best to keep at least a ten to fifteen-foot distance from anyone else while you are talking. The most important thing to remember is to use common sense when you have a cell phone.

With the wide availability of ring tones for your phone, many people are often choosing those that are loud and unique. However, just because you like it, doesn't mean anyone else will. If you are going to have your cell phone on in public, make sure you choose a ring tone that is not too loud and one that is not too annoying. It's important to remember that while you may need to take a call, you don't need to annoy anyone or disrupt someone's concentration.

Another important thing to consider when using your cell phone is to keep your conversations short and simple. By telling the person on the other end that you are on a cell phone, they should understand you wish to keep the call short. You will also want to remember that if you are in a public place, you do not want to talk about your personal business or say things that others should not hear or that you don't want repeated. You never know who could be listening in when you talk on a cell phone in public.

There are several countries, including Australia, Germany, and Japan that have banned the use of cell phones while driving unless you have a hands-free unit. Many states in the United States have banned cell phones when driving, as well. If you live in a state that does allow the use of cell phones while driving, make sure you take proper precautions to allow for your safety and the safety of others.

With the invention of text messaging, many find communicating with others in public much easier and definitely more private. However, there are certain guidelines you should follow when text messaging, as well.

First of all, you know that annoying little sound that states you have a new text message? The best thing you can do is to put it on mute. This is how kids in classes get away with texting during classes without getting caught. You can prevent yourself from annoying anyone by simply silencing your message alarm. With the advanced technology of the cell phone, you'll find many are also able to download music and users can play their music anytime and anywhere. It's important to remember that while you love a certain type of music, others may not.

Is it within proper etiquette to send someone a text message when you are in a public place such as a restaurant or library? Generally, you need to remember that if you are not bothering someone, don't worry about it. If, however, you're sitting in the front row of a lecture and you're bent over texting someone on your cell phone, the lecturer may get a little irritated that you're not paying attention and you may want to put your cell phone up and plan to text message someone later. If it is one that must be sent, gracefully exit the room and find a quiet spot to send it.

One of the worst possible things you can do when text messaging is to be driving. Believe it or not, there are people who try to make sure they are pressing the right buttons and completely forget they should be looking at where they are going. This needs no explanation to say what could happen.

The fact is text messaging is a great way to communicate and you do not have to bother someone when you communicate this way. No one has to listen to a one-sided conversation or be interrupted by someone yelling, "Can you hear me now?" Text messaging has definitely made life much easier for all.

While many states have issued laws regarding talking on your cell phone while driving a vehicle, there are cities and towns that are discussing the possibility of regulating cell phone usage in public places. Some cities have even gone through with these laws and while they are having difficulty enforcing them, they are placed there in case anyone wishes to pursue the matter of annoyance in court. However, if you are like many, you may not want your cell phone usage regulated. In order to stop this, you must take it in your own hands and practice proper cell phone etiquette and inform others to do so, as well.