Cell Phone Etiquette: Should Others Dictate Where Someone Can Use Their Cell Phone?

It seems that you can't use your cell phone anywhere anymore that people aren't complaining. It would seem that this is because some people talk so loudly on cell phones that they disturb others around them. However, talking loudly isn't people's complaint - it's the use of cell phones at all. What's the point of having a cell phone if you pretty much have to use it at home? Let's look at some of the places where using a cell phone is frowned upon.

When you're with another person

In this situation, there is little someone can do by themselves except watch you talk. If you get a ton of phone calls, you may want to consider turning off your phone. But if that isn't very realistic for whatever reason, just remember that it's rude to stay on the phone and leave the other person to watch you talk. The best thing to do in these situations is to find out quickly what the person wants and then hang up.

Public Places

Everyone knows that cell phones should be turned off in theatres and libraries. Not that everyone does it, but they should. In these places, cell phone usage truly disturbs others because no one is supposed to be talking, period. Other places where quiet is expected include weddings, funerals, and graduations. Considering someone may be sick in a public bathroom, this may be another place to consider not using your phone. In hospitals and gas stations, cell phones should be turned off because they can interfere with equipment.

But in a restaurant, I have never understood people complaining about other people using their cell phone who are at a different table. Nowadays, there's no such thing as quiet dining anywhere you go because people talk loudly to each other. And, people take their kids too. That screaming little brat two booths over is a lot louder than me talking on my phone. But whatever the case, why are you allowed to talk to the person across from you but I'm not supposed to talk on my phone? Talking is talking no matter if the other person is present or not.

A while back, I read comments on a forum about what people considered annoying on a plane especially during boarding. And one of the annoyances listed was people who talk on their cell phone. This is similar to using a cell phone in a restaurant. I wonder sometimes if the people that hate cell phones so much are just jealous because they don't have one.

I find it laughable when I read articles suggesting that people shouldn't use their cell phone in a checkout line. Some people say that it is rude to the cashier. But cashiers are rude to customers and get all up in the customer's business. I don't want to answer questions about why I'm buying what I am or what I'm planning to cook. Not to mention the questions about would I like to open a credit card account. I realize that they have to ask certain questions, but I don't have to acknowledge their existence. I swipe my credit card and quickly leave. If they can't handle the customers wanting to be left alone and feel we're rude, then they need to get a job that doesn't require them saying the equivalent of 'would you like fries with that.'

I have yet to hear anyone complain about people using their cell phone as they walk around in a store. But I figure that'll be next on the list as people try so desperately to control others.

In a moving vehicle

While driving, there really isn't much difference in using a cell phone and in eating, drinking, messing with the radio to change cds, talking to others in the car, etc. Some people distract so easily that they shouldn't be on the phone while driving. They possibly shouldn't even be driving at all.

I know people who pull over to use their cell phone, and if that's what they need to do, then they should. But I don't appreciate it when I have someone riding with me and they panic if I answer my phone. I am perfectly capable of talking on the phone (without a headset) and driving at the same time.