Mobile Phone Misuse: Is Etiquette Going Down the Tubes?

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Motorola Droid

We have become a world that is dependent on technology and constant contact. I fully admit that I rely on my smartphone to stay connected with my friends and family and everything that happens on How to Have it All. I love my Motorola Droid and feel lost without it. My phone is rarely turned off since it has replaced my home phone.

I certainly am not writing this to offend anyone, but to educate.

There are times that mobile phones need to be turned off or at least put in silent mode. At the dental office I have noticed a huge increase in cell phone use over the last few years. Yes, during the appointment.

I understand when your cell phone rings because you forgot to turn it off. No problem with that. I also understand if you need to leave it on in case of an emergency call- I know there are times that loved ones are sick and what not.

Answering your cell phone in the middle of an appointment to to talk to your travel agent is not acceptable (true story!). Remember that most offices whether it be medical, dental or some other profession run on a tight schedule. In order to keep the office running smoothly we need to stay on time.

A few years ago I had someone answer their cell phone repeatedly during the appointment. They could sense I was getting upset and said “I am trying to run a business here.” I simply said “Me too!”.

The next time you have an appointment make sure to turn your phone off or at least on silent. Value the person’s time as I am sure they value yours.

Now I know you all have some funny stories about cell phone use! I would love to hear from you!

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Renae is a married working mom of two handsome boys. She works as a registered dental hygienist by day and blogs here at How to Have it All by night. She enjoys cooking from scratch, working in her vegetable garden and functional training.

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Comments

  1. Elizabeth Ketchem says:

    No funny story-just complete agreement!! My favorite is people at the cash register chatting away, not realizing that the cashier is waiting on them to sign the pad to finish! Ugh!

    • Hi Elizabeth,
      Yes, I have seen people chatting and forgetting all about their transaction. Cell phones have taken over our lives! Thanks for sharing!

  2. This isn’t really a funny story, but your blog post reminded me of a huge pet peeve of mine: people who take calls inside movie theaters. It baffles me that in spite of all the advisories and the not-so-subtle hints that theaters broadcast in order to get people to switch off their phones or at least put them on silent mode, some individuals just can’t take a hint. Tsk tsk.

    • Francesca,
      Yes that would drive me nuts! We don’t go to the movies much so I don’t have to deal with the cell phone talkers there. Kind of weird that people would pay such a high price for entertainment only to have it interrupted. Why would you want to talk on the phone while you are supposed to be enjoying a movie?

      Thanks for sharing!