I was having lunch in a casual restaurant with a coworker, and my cell phone rang.?

Question

I answered it, but my coworker teased me later about not knowing cell phone etiquette. I noticed others in the restaurant using their cell phones. Was I in error? Please tell me the basics of cell phone use.

Answer 1

Generally, unless an urgent call is expected, cell phones should be turned off when dining. Some basic rules for cell phone use are:

1. Turn your cell phone off or set the ring to "silent" or "vibration" when in these locations: restaurant, airplane, theater, library, museum, church, classroom, business meeting, hospital.

2. When in public, always keep the conversation very brief and to the point. Long conversations should take place in private.

3. Keep your voice low when talking in public so as not to distract others around you.

4. When in small enclosed spaces such as a doctor's waiting room, leave the room and go out in the hall to converse.

5. When you are with someone and you need to answer your cell phone, excuse yourself. If the conversation will be more than a minute, move a slight distance away to carry on the discussion.

6. Driving and talking is not about manners or etiquette, but about safety. It's best to avoid using a cell phone while driving. If you receive a call, you can always call back at a more safe and convenient time.

7. Ear buds: hands free works well, especially when driving!!!

Answer 2

This is just my personal opinion but, I find it terribly rude to use your cell phone in a restaurant. However, if you must take an important call excuse yourself from the table and return the call. I usually put my cell phone on vibrate so it does not disturb other's dining. Your friend takes top priority when out together..

Answer 3

No, you did not do anything wrong. Unlike theatres, restaurants do not ban cell phone just like you said, everybody else was using their cell phones at that time but out of respect to the others, do not talk too loud till it disturbs people around you.

Answer 4

Was the meeting formal? In other words, were you there to discuss work? If so, you should have had the phone turned off. If it was a social lunch and you were just visiting, I would probably have had it on vibrate, and if it rang I would have apologized and looked at the phone to decide if I really wanted to answer the phone.

Most of the time, you shouldn't answer the phone when in a one-on-one setting. Yes, other people do it, but sadly that is a sign of the times. Most of us aren't polite.

Answer 5

Was he joking? what it was an emergency? u have the right...I mean was it a business formal lunch..?

BTW...Brainz how can u tell when u expect an emergency? if a fire starts in ur place I dont see how u could expect that kind of emergency? Etiquette should not go against common sense and safety...

Ohh I am not gonna run coz I will ruin my hair! POOOFFF

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Dont answer unless you have to.

If you must answer inside in a public place talk discretely and don't prolong the conversation.

Its best if you can take the conversation outside. Don't go outside if it will cause more disruption though.

Answer 8

The person you are actually with gets priority. I find it rude for people to be on the phone talking for an extended amount of time if they are with me. Its ok to pick it up but end the conversation quickly and get back to your guest. You are with them afterall.

Answer 9

You were not wrong for answering it, as long as you kept it to a short, "I am at lunch, I will call you back" or some other similar phrase.

Answer 10

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