Five Places to Avoid Using Your Cell Phone

While cell phones and other handheld devices are great tools, their use can also be a great irritation in some settings. For the most part, a cell phone should not be used in any setting where other people are likely to be distracted or annoyed, or feel their personal space has been avoided. Many people understand this and make it a point to not make or receive calls when in certain social situations. For those that are less in tune with social graces, here are five specific settings in which a cell phone should never be used for anything other than an emergency.

Worship services are easily one of the settings where a cell phone should be shut off. Unfortunately, some people are blissfully unaware that other worshippers are really not interested in hearing anyone make plans for lunch after the service. To avoid this social error, make it a point to turn off the unit before the service begins. Lunch plans and other conversations can wait for the thirty minutes to an hour that is common for most religious services.

The classroom is another setting where a cell phone should be shut down before entering the space. The focus in the classroom is to learn, not discuss personal matters while the instructor is attempting to present a lecture or engage the class in some other type of learning activity. Because so many people overlook this simple point, many college professors usually establish firm rules about the use of cell phones while class is in session.

Attempting to make or receive a call while in the dentist's chair is a third setting where the use of cell phones should be avoided. Asking the hygienist or dentist to wait while you take a call wastes the time of the health care professionals and also causes more delay for the other patients. Shut off the phone before the teeth cleaning or other procedure begins.

Chattering away while in a checkout line is also considered extremely rude. Whether in the supermarket, post office or a ticket line, rest assured no one is interested in your personal business. Further, they are not likely to appreciate waiting for you to complete the call for paying the cashier and gathering your purchases. Make your calls before getting into the line, or save them until you are out of the store.

One final setting to avoid cell phone use is at movies or plays. People paid good money to listen to the performers, not your personal conversations. Shut off the phone before the show begins. You can check messages and make return calls during the intermission.

Before using your cell phone in a public setting, ask yourself two questions. Would I be distracted or annoyed by someone else using a phone in this setting? Am I prepared to accept the advice of strangers if I choose to discuss my private life in front of them? If the answer to the former is "yes" and "no" to the latter, keep your cell phone in your pocket and make your calls later.