Is it rude to answer your cell phone while having dinner with other people?

Question

I see it all the time at restaurants. I can't imagine if you were on a date!

Answer 1

Yes

Answer 2

I think it's rude, but a lot of people apparently don't. I think answering the phone is only justified if you're with people who do it all the time themselves when you're with them (so shouldn't complain if you do it) or if you truly do need to be immediately available to someone for something important (like someone could go into labor at any moment). People managed without being immediately available before there were cell phones, and they can manage to pretend they don't have a cell phone for an hour or two during a social visit. I also think that if someone's visiting you at your home and your land line rings, you should let it go into an answering machine or take a message and tell the person you'll get back to them, that you have company. But I guess I'm just old-fashioned, because the rule seems to be that whoever is calling you should have first priority for your attention over the person in front of you. But I think unless there are unusual circumstances (like you're an obstetrician), it's rude.

Answer 3

Yes, it is rude to answer your cell phone at dinner with other people. Nobody is that important that they cannot turn the cell phone off for 30 minutes. Unless you are a doctor on call or a parent with a child at home, you DON'T need a cell phone on for anything. Let your cell phone take a voice mail until you leave the restaurant or person's home, that shows them that you care about your time together.

If it happened to me while I was with someone, I would wonder how much my companionship means to them if they need to take a call from someone in order to "keep entertained".

Answer 4

I don't know if there have been any established rules of engagement when it comes to cellphone ettiquite, but if not there should be.

The only time I would think a call would be so vital to take would be if it were the hostage-taker calling you for his demands. In this case, most likely you would hardly be in this place in the first place.

There are some, however, that think they are so important that they absolutely positively must be in constant communication with XXXXX or YYYYY. The world, as they perceive it, will cease to function if they don't answer.

When you see this actually happen, it is pathetic, because the same ones you see taking calls at dinner remind me of those others. You know who I mean. The guys and girls with cellphones glued to their ears while running 85 or 90 in high traffic switching back and forth between lanes and racing to get to their destination. So they can talk face to face with the person they were just on the phone with 2 minutes before. And most of the time, the conversation is not crucial or life threatening. Yet, they endanger themselves needlessly, along with everyone around them.

So is it wrong to talk in a restaurant while dining. You betcha!!

Answer 5

I think unless you have children at home or are a doctor, it can be rude. I think you should give your time to the person with which you are sharing dinner.
If you really can't live without answering your phone, answer, and ask if you can call them back later.
I feel that cell phones are a wonderful invention, but we as a people have forgotten the simple niceties of living. We live life at a much to fast pace and miss quiet moments together alone.
I say, turn off the phone, and enjoy your dinner. You can always check your message afterwards.

Answer 6

Well to be polite you would have your phone on silent. But of course we all forget and if the phone rings I would think its OK to tell the caller that you are eating dinner at a restaurant with someone and ask if you can call them back later. To me as long as the phone call is very brief I do not perceive it being rude. But when you hang up, then put the phone on silent.

Answer 7

If I have an important call pending; I will typically explain in advance the reason(s) I may need to respond to the call & excuse myself.

I don't believe you're conveying that the person(s) you may be dining with are "less important", I believe I have an obligation to my clients that pay my living expenses as well; which affords me the lifestyle to dine anytime & anywhere I choose.

When not in a pressing negotiation, I will absolutely put my phone on silent and return calls later. Most of my family & friends completely understand and are forgiving, non-judgemental, and entrepreneurial; perhaps they understand the pressure.

Answer 8

Depends on who the caller is and who you're with.

On a date: generally, no. But if you're a doctor, then I'd excuse you. Or if it's some important call, then take it. But if it's just a friend, ignore it. Turn it on silent if you know there'll be no important calls.

With a group of friends: I think you can bend the rules a bit. They're all going to be chatting anyway, so excuse yourself and leave. Make it quick though.

Answer 9

it is extremely rude to do so. anytime you are with other people in a social situation, unless you are expecting an amergency call from someone - shut off the cell phone. rude and inconsiderate.

unplug the phones gang. we don't need to be attached at the hip 24/7.

Answer 10

I don't think so

U can just them u r Busy at the moment

Or My cell has to where I can say as an answer. Outside of an Message. Something like I will have to get right back with you
put it on vibrate and then excuse yourself to the restroom if you have Caller Id.. And u want to return the call.
Doctors, Lawyers do it all the time... (That is Excuse me I have to take this call...)