Q&A for How to Practice Cell Phone Etiquette

Usually, it is impolite if you're mid conversation. It might not considered wrong if it is an important conversation that is urgent or you've pre-warned the other person about, but if it is not urgent or very important, then put your phone away and turn it down. However, don't make the person you're actually with feel unimportant.

Excuse yourself as soon as possible and take your phone with you, ideally hiding it in a purse or pocket. It won't draw too much attention, and this method will stop it from happening again.

It would be better if you spent time with your girlfriend and show her that you love her. You can always text that person another time. In a car ride, talk to your girlfriend rather than texting other people.

It's not a matter of asking permission, and it's not that you're being rude to someone. Some people just believe that one should give their full attention to what they are experiencing (such as a show or movie). Your boyfriend is probably annoyed that instead of getting absorbed in the experience, you're flitting around to different activities - and it could take him out of the experience, too, when he sees you doing that, just as it can distract people in a movie theater when they see others around them using their phones. You ultimately have the right to do what you want to here, but he also has the right to be annoyed, and it would be good to take his feelings into account.

No. Just turn it down, but not off. They're a guest in your car, and for them to have a conversation on the phone with someone else is rude towards you.

You can't both be talking at the same time. To truly listen, you need to give the person speaking your full attention.

The person who disrupted should call. Just tell them to call back later, because you're currently on the phone.

It depends on the context of the conversation. If the person is chatting with friends, that could be considered rude. However, if the person is checking in with her parents or otherwise fulfilling a responsibility, then no, that's not rude.

You can feel free to just text them back, unless the text specifically asked you to return their call or they asked a question that requires a long, involved response.

It depends. If work starts before or at 6, or if it's an emergency and only that person can help, it should be fine. Otherwise, you should wait until you know that person is available.

Yes, you shouldn't be on your cell phone at all while eating at the table. It is definitely rude and a display of bad manners.

First of all, never operate your cell phone when you are driving. If you are not driving, it all depends on the situation. Telling a friend to listen to the radio because you'd rather be texting than talking to them is rude, yes. But if the conversation has petered out, there's no reason why you couldn't be texting. Finally, consider that these people made the physical effort to be near you, which should be enough to merit your attention for the time being.

Think about how you would feel if you called or texted someone and they did not reply for an entire day. Treat others the way you would want them to treat you.

Yes, this is pretty rude. Just be honest with someone and tell them that you'll talk to them later, but you're going to focus on other things for the moment.

This is very common nowadays. Many young people are addicted to their phones. It isn't good etiquette, and you can try telling her how this makes you feel, but don't take it personally.

It is just the rules and norms you should follow while using your cell phone in order to be polite to those around you.

There are a few ways to deal with this situation. Firstly, if it is not too important, then put your phone on silent mode, and send a quick text explaining that you're in a meeting, and you're extremely sorry. But, if it is a very important phone-call, then say excuse me and step out to a corner or outside of the room and attend to the call.

As long as you try to step away from other people's conversations, you will not be seen as rude or inconsiderate by most people.

Yes. The caller will be hearing a ringing tone and it will end abruptly, telling them you have declined the call. Smart phones offer the option to send a standard message instead of just declining the call. Alternatively, you could pick up and immediately ask if it's okay to call them back, or use the volume settings to not be disturbed when you are busy.

If you're asking if you should respond with a greeting or just answer the question they've asked, you're probably fine either way. If you're asking if it is rude of them to ask a question without greeting you first, maybe a little, but a lot of people dispense with the greetings and niceties via text, it's pretty common nowadays.

Well, no, not really. All those present have an equal right to decide what the topic of conversation will be. If one person is talking about phone features and the others agree to talk about this, then sure. If it lasts and lasts, eventually the others will either politely leave or force a different topic. But it is indeed rude to stick to one topic once you notice the others are no longer interested.

It depends on the phone call, on the significance of this TV-watching session, and to some extent on the established norms of your relationship. For example, if you spend hours watching TV or doing other things together on a daily basis, then that 10-minute time out probably shouldn't be a big deal. But if you have little free time to spend together, or if this is your one special show you watch together, then it's probably rude. Likewise, it's more understandable if the caller is someone your significant other hasn't heard from in a while than if it's someone they talk to on a regular basis - although it shouldn't be too hard to simply wait until the show is over to call back. You should take these factors into account, talk to your partner about your feelings, and make sure you are both on the same page regarding your expectations for your time together.

Unless your boss has given you permission to answer their phone, or instructed you to do so in their absence, then yes, this would be rude.

Return the call whenever you have a minute of free time, not when you're talking to someone or busy doing something else. For casual and personal calls, try to return it within the week. Business or work related calls should be returned as soon as possible.

If someone accesses your phone and sends your texts to someone else, yes, that is definitely rude. More than that, it is very likely illegal. But, if you sent a text to someone, and they forward it to someone else; there is nothing rude about that. Once it leaves your hands, it is out of your control as well as out of your property. If you're afraid others might forward it and get you in trouble, don't send it in the first place.

I don't think it's necessarily rude, but some people might find it annoying, so be careful. If the place is noisy and busy it shouldn't really be a problem.

If you have permission to text, take that as a gift. Don't push and have a phone call without permission.

Most countries nowadays have strict privacy laws that govern this. Even if the person is your friend, you need to ask permission to take her picture and ask permission again to post it on social media. Taking a girl's picture in a restaurant is considered harassment, and can be prosecuted. You can be asked to leave, or she could call the police and file a complaint and you'll be found guilty of harassment and invasion of privacy. It's also very creepy, immature and impolite.

That depends, do you know if they're active on their phones at the times you text them? Sometimes people are busy. Another thing to think about is if the text is a necessary question or just a fun text. I do understand how you feel but try talking to your friends about it but also understanding some people don't do well in group chats because they expect someone else to respond so they don't feel as compelled to respond.

Yes, it is rude and is an invasion of privacy. Their pictures are none of your business.