CELL PHONE COURTESY BLOG

"Do you Hear what I Hear?" By Marty Miller

This is from an article I wrote in 2002 that was printed in two business magazines. Because of the length of the article and the change in cell phone activity, I will only summarize and "tone down" some of the contents as cell phone useage is standard communication in 2010.
     Almost everyone has a cell phone these days and I am sure that we have all experienced an uncomfortable feeling when either our cell phone or someone else's goes off at an inappropriate time or place. What prompted me to write the article was during a business meeting with a captivating speaker, the ring of a cell phone could be heard at which time the "thoughts" of the speaker were interrupted, along with much scuffling through purses and briefcases of people trying to find if their phone was the offender. It was embarrassing for ALL of us and very rude to the Speaker.
    I remember a personal situation where I entered a bathroom and someone said "Hi, how are you?" Not seeing anyone right there, I thought out of courtesy I would answer and said "Fine, Thanks" at which time a person in a stall said "Just a moment"---"Lady I'm not talking to you". I was embarrassed, but "who woulda thunk it--in the bathroom stall?"  At that time it seemed unusual, but now it seems to be the norm. Talk about "multi-tasking!"

Places that I find cell phones offensive (remember I am a bit old fashioned)
#1 Church I heard cell phones go off in 2 funerals---not good!
#2 Nice restaurants---people don't go to listen to someone else's loud cell phone conversation--step outside.
#3 Museums, Stores and places of business--unless you are in an aisle by yourself
#4 Sitting at a table with other people-- (ie., meeting, luncheon, out for a meal with friends or others) It looks like those we are with aren't as important as the person on the phone.
#5 DRIVING!  It is scary how many people you see driving with a phone to their ear. 

   There are Always exceptions--if someone is "on call" then they probably need to have their phone on vibrate and leave the area to talk when necessary.  
SAFETY: Lack of courtesy is not the only problem when it comes to cell phone use. Many people give out personal information. In Portland, OR a woman talking over her cell phone while eating in a chain restaurant was talking about her upcoming vacation for the next week. An unscrupulous person nearby overheard the conversation, and followed the woman home. When she left for her vacation he burglarized her home. A neighbor took down the unfamiliar car's license number. The burglar came clean on how he knew she was not at home. Consider the information that others may overhear while we are absorbed in our phone call, giving out addresses, credit card and personal situations.

Communication is certainly not as much "face to face" anymore, but courtesy and safety should still be a consideration for each of us, even with the increasing use of changing technologies.

"Real Integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not."

Have a Great week!

Marty Miller , writer, artist, business owner   www.yardcarddirectory.com/
http://www.lawnexpressions.com/