Keep Your Voice Down
- Soften your voice or lower your volume when discussing personal issues. I know there are times when you are upset, angry, or frustrated, and you want the person on the other end of the call to hear what you have to say. It feels good to vent; there’s no doubt about it. However, you should remember that people outside your close circle of friends don’t want to hear all your personal problems blared through a megaphone. They’d rather not know about your arguments with your spouse, your divorce, child welfare services, your depleted bank balance, or the date the bank or mortgage company wants to repossess your car or house.
Yes, it does feel good when you get a chance to share what’s bothering you. But there’s a time and a place to have that conversation and an appropriate volume for it as well. If it’s not possible to distance yourself within a place of business, try taking the call in your car or an isolated corner of a park.
Again, There’s a Time and a Place
- There are so many reasons to avoid cell phone chatting in the ladies’ room. I lack sufficient time to give you a comprehensive list. For starters, you risk ruining your phone if it falls in the toilet or the washbasin. And other women using the facilities are rarely in the mood to hear or engage in a conversation while they’re “taking care of business” and their personal hygiene.
- Going shopping? Especially where perishable food is sold? Have mercy on your neighbors and wait until you’ve put all your items on the conveyor belt, everything’s been checked, you’ve paid your money, you have your receipt in your hand, you’ve placed your bags in the cart, and your transaction with your cashier is finished. Then and only then make or answer a phone call.
One of the most frustrating things I’ve had to experience is having to wait behind someone who is taking twice as long in the checkout line, especially during COVID, because they are wrapped up in their conversation and losing their focus on the tasks at hand.
Loud Personal Discussions Can Be Socially Awkward
- Whatever you do, don’t choose the time you are in a restaurant to have a big bustling conversation everyone can hear. People go out to eat so they can relax—at least at the few places that are allowing people to come in because they’ve had their vaccination and/or they’re taking other COVID precautions. Indulge in eating your meal rather than shouting into your phone while sitting with friends, coworkers, or employees. They might not understand or know how to respond to the increased tension. A bonus is that you will avoid chewing with your mouth open. That’s never a pretty sight.
- Some of the theaters are beginning to reopen or partially reopen, or they are allowing people to sit at least six to ten feet apart while wearing masks. While I realize that emergencies can happen, put your phone on a low buzz and take your call out of the seating area so other people can hear the movie. They don’t want to hear what problems you’re having while watching the film, and it is just plain rude and distracting. If you decide you want to text or surf the net, remember the light from your screen can distract and annoy those around you.So unless you’re a doctor, another type of first responder, or a member of a family undergoing an emergency, take your call outside in the hall. Everyone will appreciate you for it.
Is It Really Worth Bragging about?
- While it’s exciting to get a new iPhone or whatever your cell phone brand is, we don’t need to know what version you just purchased and how much it cost. There are a lot of people who are struggling right now, and that’s the last thing that they want to hear. Thieves might also be listening, so you want to exercise caution about making such an announcement in public.
Cellphone Safety—This Bears Repeating
- The last tip I have poses an even more important safety issue. It’s always a better idea—unless the situation is urgent and you are far away from any place where you can pull your vehicle to the side or into a driveway—to avoid answering a phone while driving the car. Although some states accept hands-free phone setups, it’s been scientifically proven that you don’t use as much of your peripheral vision while you are on the phone. That compromises your driving safety.
So enjoy your social media toy, but remember to be considerate of others as a part of a social environment focused on wellness. It shows respect and makes a positive difference in others’ lives.
What’s your biggest pet peeve about cellphones? Leave it in the Comment box below.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
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