We are so used to cellphones that we’ve forgotten how rude it is to talk on them in certain places. Just because you have a cellphone doesn’t mean you must inconvenience others and talk in crowded spaces. It separates you from physical conversations and can make others feel uncomfortable. If you’re at one of these 15 places, try not to talk on your phone.
Gyms
Gyms aren’t places for you to endlessly talk on your phone—they’re places to better yourself. By talking on the phone in the gym, you can distract people who are trying to exercise. It also means you’re not using the station where you’re standing, which takes it away from someone who could’ve used it. So step aside and go somewhere private if you need to take a call.
Hospitals
People’s lives are at stake in hospitals, and any distractions can cause something to go wrong. Emergencies require you to keep in contact with important people, but don’t actively distract the staff from doing their work—many others in hospitals need help just as much as you do. For less urgent matters, try to step outside while taking a call, since it’s the most courteous thing to do.
Movie Theatres
Anyone who’s been to a movie theatre understands that talking on your cellphone is unacceptable. Everyone there paid to calmly watch a movie, which doesn’t give anyone the right to distract or interrupt others while they enjoy their film. It’s common courtesy to put your phone on silent, and if you get a call, you should step outside and take it.
Interviews
Interviews are directed to you and the interviewers, not a third person on your phone. If you know you have an interview coming up, make sure to turn your phone to silent, giving your full attention to those interviewing you. It is unprofessional and rude to disrespect the time of your interviewers if it isn’t an emergency.
Salons
Salons are places to socialize with others and to communicate with the person assisting you. Talking on your phone while those around you are busy working can distract, leading to a lower quality of work and an overall annoying atmosphere. Respect those around you and wait to take calls until you’re finished, if it isn’t urgent.
Libraries
Keeping any noise as low as possible is an unspoken rule in any library, so why would you ever answer your phone in one? Reading requires focus, and by talking on the phone, you distract everyone trying to do the one thing almost everyone does in a library. Remember, many students also study in libraries and others work there, so distracting them is especially disrespectful.
Public Restrooms
There’s no reason to talk on the phone in a public restroom. Public restrooms are innately private, and even taking your cellphone out in one is seen as taboo. Not only is it disrespectful to others around you, but also to the person on the other end of the call. If you have to take a call, simply do it outside the restroom.
Graduations
Graduations may have a lot of people, but it’s foremost a personal matter you attend to support someone close to you. Taking a call while you’re supposed to be cheering for that special person can hurt their feelings and distract others who are doing the same. Kindly wait for the event to end or excuse yourself before taking a call.
Public Transportation
Nobody needs to overhear your conversations on their way to or from work or school. Taking public transport is already impersonal, but by talking on the phone you create an intrusive atmosphere. Being close to people demands you keep to yourself and doesn’t give you the right to annoy those around you or make them uncomfortable.
The Checkout Aisle
Checkout aisles are there for one thing—to check in your items and then pay for them. People have things they would like to get back to, and by talking on the phone you rob them of their time. It can also distract or intrude on other people’s privacy and make them uncomfortable. It only takes a few minutes to wrap up your items, so you can take the call once you’re done.
Restaurants
Restaurants let you enjoy great food and be part of the conversations around you. Before sitting down, simply set your phone to vibrate or silent and enjoy the company of those around you. If you need to take a call, don’t do it while sitting at the table—you should excuse yourself and talk to the person on the other end without making those around you feel less important.
Family Dinner or Dinner Parties
If you’ve planned a dinner with friends or family, why would you need to talk on your phone if there isn’t an emergency? You should put your phone away and pay as much attention as possible to your guests or hosts. If you’re expecting an important call, simply inform them beforehand and excuse yourself when you are called, but make sure not to keep them waiting for too long.
Weddings
Don’t disrespect the bride and groom by talking on the phone while they’re getting married! Weddings are social events that require guests to partake in the ceremony and focus on the couple being married. If you focus on your phone, you take away from their important moment, so you should keep your phone on silent or vibrate if possible.
Places of Worship
Places of worship require guests to show ultimate respect while visiting. It is expected to be quiet and to keep disruptions to a minimum. Therefore, you must leave your phone on silent, especially whilst attending a service or when others are seen worshipping within the building. All your phone calls should be made outside.
Grocery Stores
You come to the grocery store to buy the items you need, not to speak on your phone. Talking about personal matters around others can make them uncomfortable, which can even lead them to leave the aisle. Your phone also distracts you from the things going on around you, like someone potentially trying to pickpocket you or if you’re holding someone up in the aisle.
