Phone Etiquette and Appropriate Home Call Times

It was 11:30 pm. As I was deep into the early phases of my sleep the telephone rang. It was my wife's sister. I thought to myself "What in the world is she calling for this late." It turns out there was no emergency, no major trouble she was just calling to talk; gossip might be the better word for it! Needless to say I wasn't happy about being woke up and preceded to discuss the issue with my wife the next day.

I told her I thought this was much to late to be calling someone's house, especially on a work night(Tuesday). My wife didn't quite see what the big deal was. She thought it was acceptable but agreed to say something to her sister about it. So what is too late to call someones house? Here are some thoughts on the issue.

If you were to ask this question to most people you would get a similar answer. Most people would agree that you should not call a person's house after 9 or 10 pm. I think this makes perfect sense especially when referring to a week day. The average person has to be at work at around 8:00am which means they are up usually around 6:30am or 7.

So This means that by 10:00pm they are either in the bed or making their way there. I think it is inconsiderate to call someone any later than 10:00pm unless it is an emergency. You shouldn't assume that just because you are up other people are as well. When you call late at night you are being inconsiderate to everyone in that home. Unless there is a major problem you shouldn't be calling a person after 10:00 pm.

If you should have to break the 10:00pm rule than you need to have proper phone manners. By this I mean start your conversation with a statement like "I hope I didn't wake you," or "I hope I'm not calling too late." This at least lets the person know that you are aware of the time and that you are not being inconsiderate. Furthermore have a good reason for calling at such a time. Calling just to chat or gossip just isn't appropriate for this time of the night. Put the shoe on the other foot. How would you feel if you were asleep an awaken by someone late at night who just wanted to 'chat'.

If you are having a problem with someone calling too late there are a few things you can do to get them to stop. The first, and probably the best is to simply tell them how you feel. Let them know that you don't like people calling after a certain time. Give them reasons as well.

My wife and I have to be at work early, the kids have to be in school early, etc. Let them know that you're not just being rude but that you have a purpose for what your are saying. More drastic measures might include simply not answering the telephone after a certain time or even unplugging the phone. If may seem a little rude but it is certain to get your message across.

In the end use common sense. If you don't have anything major or important to say, save the conversation for a time of the day that's appropriate. Be considerate to those that work or have children in school. If you do have to make a late call, be courteous, and use proper telephone etiquette.