Were you aware July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month? I wasn’t either. I think they’ll make a National “something” for everything, however, I think this one is much needed. I posted a while back about my pet peeves. Some of this post will be repeating some of that information but I believe it bears repeating.
What can we do to celebrate this Courtesy Month? I think there is much to be done here and I believe also that anyone who uses their cell phone regularly could at least improve on one or more of the items below. Be honest with yourself. How courteous are you on your phone?
- Buy a headset of some sort for your phone. Use it while you are driving for goodness sakes. Be a responsible cell phone driver. Better yet, make only necessary calls ON your headset while driving. No need for idle chit chat while behind the wheel.
- That said, ONLY use the headset such as a Bluetooth while you are driving. Don’t confuse the heck out of people by chatting with those blasted things while walking through the mall or during conversation with other people. Talk about annoying!
- Don’t be a loud talker on your phone. Why, oh why, do people suddenly raise their voices while talking on their cell phones?
- No one wants to hear your drama, we have enough of our own! Arguments, emotional outbursts or inappropriate conversation is best kept in a private area and at a reasonable tone.
- Respect the signs that say “No Cell Phone Use In This Building”. They are seriously there for a reason.
- Vibrate, vibrate, vibrate! Can’t say this enough! If you must talk or text, please use vibrate in quiet places. Not everyone wants to hear your fabulous new ringtone by P. Diddy.
- In connection with ringtones, even in places where hearing a ringtone would be fine, watch what your ringtone says. I’ve heard some really raunchy ones, both talking and songs. Thing of other people and respect their feelings.
- Remember it IS ok to let your voicemail pick up. You do not have to answer every single call at any given moment.
- Be kind and considerate of service employees no matter where they are. Talk to them when you need to without chatting on your phone at the same time. Your calls will wait.
- Be in the moment! Don’t be so connected that you can’t take an hour lunch with a friend or spend some time playing with your child at the park. Unless it is an emergency, a true one, take time out to be with the people in front of you.
So, lets remember all these simple rules of cell phone courtesy this month and every month! Everyone around you will be most appreciative!
On another closing note, this will be my last post on Family on the Phone as an intern. I’ve enjoyed these weeks tremendously. I’ve grown as a writer and a person during this time. I hope you’ll welcome and continue to follow the next intern. I may come back occasionally to guess blog here so look for me.
Goodbye and happy (and courteous) chatting!
Written on July 9th, 2009 at 4:52 pm by Amy
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