As if learning the ever-changing language of texting isn’t hard enough -I mean which one is it? K, Ok or Okay?- we are also being challenged to become more mindful of our cell phone etiquette.
“Is there really proper etiquette for cell phone use?” You might ask. Of course there is. Remember when cellphones were the hot new thing and people hadn’t yet realized that you didn’t have to yell at the person on the other line to be heard? Thankfully those days are (for the most part) behind us.
So what else are we doing or not doing that’s sending the wrong message to the people around us?
Let’s put this into perspective. Imagine you’re sitting at lunch with a friend you haven’t seen in 10 years. You’re both so happy to be together, talking and laughing about old times. Then, up walks your sister. You ask if everything is okay and she starts to tell you about her crazy day. Just then your boss walks up and asks you if you’ve finished the report that he expected by the end of the day. Then your boyfriend walks up and wants to know what you’ve planned for dinner. Are you eating in or out? To the best of your ability you listen and answer all of their questions as quickly as possible so that you can enjoy your longtime friend’s company. To your surprised, when you look back towards your friend she’s gone.
When you’ve made an effort to be at lunch or dinner or just meet with someone you want to be all theirs. That’s how the person on the receiving end of the above madness feels and that’s how you should feel too.
I love, love, love when my husband turns off his cell phone when we’re on a date. I know with his crazy work schedule that he’s doing that for me. Sometimes he’ll surprise me further and leave his phone in his truck. Yes! He’s all mine!
#bepresent
It’s for your benefit as much as it’s for the benefit of your friends, family, coworkers, etc., to be present. It gives you time to focus 100% on whatever relationship is right in front of you. Multitasking your thoughts is the same as splitting them and there’s no scientific evidence that suggests it’s humanly possible to split your thoughts and engage hundred percent.
Let your phone do what it was made to do- be your personal assistant. If you’re in a meeting, with a friend or in a movie, let your phone take your calls, save your emails and hold your texts. It has those features for a reason!
Of course there’s the occasional emergency call that comes through. And of course whoever you’re with will understand. But for the rest of the time, be present, give your full attention to the people you’re with and let your phone be your personal secretary. You and the people around you will be all the happier.
Now tell me what you think. What are some of the dos and don’ts of cell phone use?
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