I've always wondered a little at the people who gawked at others who picked up there cell phone in public. What is so different from talking to someone on the phone in public and speaking to someone whom you are with in public?? This is especially the case if the person speaking into the phone is talking in a normal, quiet tone that he or she would speak with when talking to someone sitting next to him or her?
I've run into situations where people at restaurants or people who just happen to be in the vicinitiy of someone on a cell phone with glance at them with an evil eye, but will not think twice about hearing the two people at the next table's conversation. I can understand if the person is talking loudly (at most family restaurants this is ignored as long as the person isn't on a cell), or if the person has been talking a while on the phone and is in the company of someone else if that person would feel a little miffed about it...but not other people.
2007-08-29 08:16:08 · 9 answers · asked by uluvme2uno1 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I don't think it is rude. I know for a fact that I talk in a low tone when I'm in public, and the comment someone made that it's rude because others can only hear one side of the conversation is ridiculous because you shouldn't be paying attention to a conversation you're not a party to anyway. That would be like asking the people sitting next to you to speak up because you can't hear them. I think people just have a beef with people talking on the phone for whatever reason. If you are with someone else, that's different, I will answer a call real quick in that case, and not talk a long time to be nice to the person I'm with.
2007-08-29 09:20:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
If I'm sitting having lunch with someone and their cell goes off, it's like saying that the person calling takes presidence over me. All cells can be quieted and I think that should be the case when you're talking with someone else. Unless you're expecting a call from Angelina Jolie or the President, what's really more important? Manners have gone right out the window when there's a cell phone involved. I've been next to a lot of people and overheard their conversations. Unless what to wear to the movies tonight is a dire emergency, I dont understand why that call couldnt wait.
2007-08-29 15:30:10 · answer #2 · answered by phlada64 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Cell phones are a nuisance. Why do people think they can use their phones wherever and whenever they want?
Using a phone is a restaurant is rude. The conversation, even if it's quiet, still disturbs those around the caller. No one cares or wants to hear personal conversations.
If one is outside, I don't have a problem with that. However, many are LOUD and rude. I've heard all kinds of language coming from people on their cells.
Why can't we have some peace and quiet without cells going off and iPods going on..... How about some SILENCE???
2007-08-29 16:17:39 · answer #3 · answered by Daisy 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's not rude to be on a cell while in public, what is rude, is if your at the counter in a store and your are on the phone instead of paying attention to the person behind the counter when they are talking to you. That is why we have cell phones, so that people can get ahold of us no matter where we are, or in case of emergency. I just can't stand it when I see someone on their phone while driving because they are usually not paying attention to their surroundings like they need to be.
2007-08-29 16:50:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because one is apparently having a private (phone) conversation, yet feels the need to broadcast it to everyone around them. Only emergency calls should be taken in the middle of a crowd; or take the call just to tell them you will call them back when you can speak privately with them.
When one speaks directly with another person, one is having a conversation with someone who is intended to hear it and respond. If someone else overhears the conversation, it is unintentional, and they can at least hear both sides.
A loud interpersonal non-phone conversation is rude as well.
See the difference? It's called manners, and behaving as society expects of you.
2007-08-29 15:33:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
If it's just in public in general, then it isn't rude. If you are on a date or with someone 1-1 or in a small group, then you should skip the call, or if it is important make sure to tell the other person(s) that it is important and take the call but step away for minute. Keep it short, and apologize. Routine calls should be skipped, and called back later.
2007-08-29 15:49:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
There is no problem with using a mobile in public. It's those inconsiderate morons who talk loudly on their phones that piss everyone off. Because they have trouble hearing the person on the other side, they automatically assume they cannot be heard either and start talking loudly.
2007-08-29 15:31:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
NOBODY talks on a cell phone in a 'normal quiet tone of voice.' You (general you) may think you are, but believe me, everyone raises their voice when they talk in a cell.
In addition to being louder than you suspect you are being, many people seem oblivious to the topic of conversation when on the phone. (I've been privy to far too many people's health, sex lives, and private financial information).
It's much more polite to excuse yourself outside, even for a quick call.
2007-08-29 16:01:51 · answer #8 · answered by LX V 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I don't find it rude at all. It's rude when you are at a restaurant or in a movie theather.
I also think it's rude if you are paying for something in a store and talking on the phone at the same time.
2007-08-29 17:03:08 · answer #9 · answered by Renee 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋