How annoying are loud mobile phone ringtones/text alerts/conversations in restaurants?

Question

Personally,I think it's bad manners not to turn the phone off or to silent when having a meal,or not to take the conversation outside !

Answer 1

I'll vote for that!
I really feel sorry for the other person or persons at the table when some lout is indulging in one of those loud phone conversations while their table companions sit there like lumps on a log. And it's really frustrating when people start talking on their phones in an elevator or other confined space. They don't seem to care if you hear their conversations or not -- and they talk about the darndest things! Personal details that I wouldn't want blurted out in public for anyone within earshot to hear......

Answer 2

It's beyond rude and annoying, but that just goes to show you how many rude and annoying people we share this planet with; It's all about MEMEME and the rest of you don't exist.

My brother works for a cell phone company and has to be reachable all the time. When he's in a restaurant, or anywhere public, his phone is on vibrate. He looks at it when it vibrates and if he must take the call, he excuses himself to go to the lobby or outdoors. Most often, however, he will NOT take the call...that's what voicemail is for people!

Come on, just train the people who call you to accept the fact that sometimes you are not available, for instance when you're having dinner with your family. Even your boss should accept the fact that you have a life. You can always check the message immediately and decide if it warrants a return call; usually it can wait until the next day.

As to the volume of people's voices when they get on the phone, I have no idea what makes them turn it up about 100 decibels, but I hear it all the time. If I am stuck with them, like on a bus, I just tap them on the shoulder and ask them to turn it down a bit...it usually works.

If I was on a date and he made or took a call, it would be a pretty good indicator that he's either not interested or trying to impress, neither of which appeals to me much.

I have nothing against the little piece of technology, it's when people use it, and how they behave when they use it, that I find rude. They become oblivious to everything and everyone around them, they walk into you and telephone poles (which can actually be very entertaining), they block aisles, they weave all over the road, they air their dirty laundry in public, they talk at concerts, they even hold their phones up to take pictures when no recording or picture-taking devices are allowed! They are not enjoying the moment, the here-and-now, the people they are with; their phone conversation, often about nothing important, takes priority. How sad is that?

Answer 3

I remember being very annoyed by an American guy (at an airport) whose phone kept ringing with one of those very annoying MUSIC tones. The problem however is that he did not answer it until he'd put his glasses on and tried to see who was calling. Once he answered most people within 50 meters could hear his over load voice. However, he was so load that all could hear that his stock in 'xys 123' company had fallen off the back of some buy out rumour. He did not worry because his loss today would be repaid many times because the buyer was '989ZRQ'. Most within earshot went straight on-line to see if the current prices for investment. So yes the ring tone was annoying but the information was great !! Thanks whoever you were !!

Answer 4

i personally think all cell phone talk in public is annoying. All these people walking around in stores and driving. What is so damn important anyway. I know they can't all be dope dealers or doctors. Most of the time I find it impossible to ignore....So I don't. I act just as rude as them and listen to their conversation. Even make comments if I want to. I figure if it were a private conversation, they would take it somewhere private!

Answer 5

Budweiser has a radio ad that is titled "Mr Really Important Cell Phone Talker Guy"

As a professional culinarian, I can NOT STAND IT when people talk on the phone while dining, at movies, or take business calls while grocery shopping.... Don't get me going on driving either!!! Who is more important than the people that you are taking a meal with? I find that if I'm on a date and she does this, i get up and leave if its the first date.... I also get offended by people who take non-business calls while at work and slack off on their duties and I have to bail them out later in the day!!

Answer 6

It isn't just in restaurants - it seems to be everywhere. The idiots that actually think they can drive and hold a cell phone at the same time. Most people can't drive - period. Now you got their small little brains thinking they can exchange recipes or talk about their babies dirty diapers while driving a Ford Excursion. I am putting tinfoil on my head and hoping the extra terrestrials will take me first, because the people here are just plain nuts.

Answer 7

very bad manners, they need to excuse themselves and take it outside I agree, I used to work at an upsalce restaurant and was appaulled about the amount of people who would take calls during their dinner interupting the whole room. What the hell did they do in the "olden days" when cell phones wern;t around and you actully had to get off your duff and go to the restroom area and use a pay phone?

Answer 8

Annoying as hell. Such people were clearly never raised with decent manners, and shouldn't be allowed into any restaurant better than McDonald's. Why the other people at their table want to be seen in public with a clod like that is a mystery to me.

Answer 9

It doesn't bother me if the conversation is quiet. people are always looking for something to complain about. I don't any longer own a cell phone as my work does not require it...however i am never bothered unless someone is making a big deal out of getting a call and seeming to be important.
THEN i am bothered. leave the people alone unless it's really on your nerves.
They are especially handy in grocery stores when a spouse has a question. think about it. leave the cells on..they are there for a reason and expedite life...isn't that what we are going for?

Answer 10

We can our on vibrate when we're out in public. One glance and either of us knows if it's important to go outside or private area. I always take mine when grocery shopping, because half the time I forget my list. I find an empty aisle and practically whisper because I think it's weird to hear people who look like they're talking to themselves, until I realize they have the earpiece on for hands-free. (Which I do agree with while driving.)

But some people just carry them for emergencies, like the babysitter calling. Or your grandmother just died. Things like that. Don't even get me started on texting though!