7. Refrain From Answering During Inappropriate Times
No one wants to hear your “Poker Face” ringtone going off during a movie (unless it’s one from the Twilight series). All joking aside, there are places that having your phone on just isn’t appropriate—such as the doctor’s office, the movie theater, libraries, museums, churches, and restaurants. People are out to have a nice time together, not listen to your obnoxious conversations. If you are waiting for some kind of emergency call—about a job, or maybe your wife is expecting—put your phone on vibrate, please.
6. Don’t Talk and Drive at the Same Time
This isn’t just bad etiquette—this is actually very dangerous. In fact, some studies liken it to driving while intoxicated. If you must talk on the phone while you drive, please wear an earpiece so your hands are free to drive.
5. Don’t Use Your Phone Up in Someone’s Face
Take it outside if you can. If you absolutely can’t, maintain a good distance—ten feet is a good rule—away from other people while you talk.
4. Don’t Fight with Your Boyfriend in Front of Others
For one, don’t you think that would be more conducive if done in person (unless your significant other beats you up—in which case, you shouldn’t be with him/her in the first place)? Not only are your squabbles nobody’s business, they’re also highly annoying. Nobody cares that he looked at Pamela or that you kissed Pedro while you were “on the break.” So please don’t yell about your drama in public, in front of company—or when you are a guest at someone’s house. FYI, one adult way to handle such a situation is to simply say, “I’ll have to discuss this with you later, I’m at the store.”
3. Don’t Use Ringtones About “Bitches” and “Hoes”
I really, really, really don’t appreciate having to listen to that—especially when my four-year-old is with me. If you can’t expose yourself in public, you shouldn’t be able to expose your crappy taste in offensive music in public, either. Keep it in your car.
2. Follow Public Cell Phone Rules
If a place has a no-cell phones sign, please respect that. It’s probably for a good reason.
1. Don’t Take Photos Without Permission
How annoying is it when people snap their phones in your face when you’re reading a menu, trying to hail a cab, or just trying to talk to someone else? Ask first.
