Do you remember the day when nobody had a cell phone? How did we manage? It seems like a lot of people think they can't live without it. Almost all of my students have their own phone. Of course, they are all in high school so we should "expect" that they do. I was in the grocery store the other day and a kid who appeared to be no more than ten years old had his own phone clipped to his sagging pants (along with his long hair pulled in a pony tail and earings in his ears - but let's save that for another post).
Ben and I each have a cell phone. I love the convience. My car has broken down three times in the last three months so I am certainly thankful for my phone. We don't have a house phone - we never have in our almost 4 years of marriage. Who needs it when you have a cell phone? As much as I like my cell phone, I can definately see how it can become an irritation.
You may not know this, but there are rules for "cell phone etiquette". Though these rules may seem obvious, I would guess that a lot of us break them on a regular basis.
I try to be conscience of where I take my phone and when I use it. I personally find it rude when I am out to dinner with somebody (or have them in my home for dinner) and their phone keeps ringing and they keep answering. I have had guests over for dinner and in the middle of the meal the phone will ring and the person receiving the call with leave the room to carry on a conversation. 10 years ago that caller would have called your house and left you a message when you didn't answer. How come they can't do that now? I understand that there are certainly times when you need to accept a call. Furthermore, if I am out with a close friend and her husband is calling - by all means - take the call! I would never ignore a call from my husband. But I will ignore a call from anyone else.
There used to be a time that when the family got in the car they would talk together. Now, each person starts text messaging or making calls. This can't be healthy for the family.
I believe there are certain times that you shouldn't use your cell phone at all: when you are at a family gathering, when you are at church, when you are in a meeting of any kind (like a parent teacher conference), etc.
We have a few unspoken rules at our house. We don't take calls during meal times. Eating dinner together is an important part of our day and I trust it will become more so when there are children sitting at the table with us. We generally do not take calls after 10:00 p.m. Because Ben and I work different shifts, we oftentimes will not take calls once he gets home because that is our only time during the day to talk to each other face to face.
So why is this on my mind today? Several pews behind me in church this morning I heard somebody's phone. Unless you are a doctor on call why do you need your cell phone in church? It is also not uncommon for a phone to ring in our weekly staff meetings at school. I will never understand why people can't leave their cell phones behind - or at least silence them.
I'll end this post with a quote that I thought was rather appropriate:
"The cell rule for places of worship: Leave the phone at home, in the car or at least turn it off before you enter. God may call you, but it's unlikely He will use Verizon."
8 comments:
Amen Kelly !!!!!
couldnt agree more
Travis and I both have a prepaid cell phone that is used for emergancy or something very important. We have also agreed our children will not have a cell phone ! Absolutely no reason, and when they start driving they may borrow ours for emergancy only.
that is a good post kelly,
however, i am guilty of forgetting to turn off my phone once at a MOM's bible study at fourth baptist. it was my first time visiting and my phone started blaring the theme song from "the office." - so embarrassed.
We only own a trac-phone (a cheap pre-paid type of cell phone from wal-mart) in case of emergencies. I know we live in the dark ages but I kind of like the idea that people can't always reach us anywhere we are!
I too, heard someone's cell phone ring in our congregation yesterday morning - how distracting! It's even printed in our bulletin to silence phones when the service begins.
Is it cheaper for you both to have cell phones and no land line?
I agree with your cell phone comments. Even in places where it's acceptable to use your cell phone, I find so many people have loud or inappropriate comments. I've had to correct people swearing and yelling into their cell phones in the lobby of the hotel where I work - that's very frustrating! Brian and I think our kids can have their own cell phones - when they can pass the credit check to get one.
I won't answer my phone anymore around you:) HA HA!! Just kidding - thanks for mentioning that it was OK to take a call from your husband during a dinner with a close friend...you know I just did that with you a few weeks ago:)!!!
Yes, I heard that phone ring during church too - but you know it was not mine...I was sitting right beside you!!!!
Sure do appreciate you!
LESLEY
Do you know how many times I've been cleaning someone's teeth and their phone goes off? I'm a little squirrely anyway, so just imagine me scaling when a phone goes off. Some serious damage could be done. We finally have a sign at the front desk now asking people to please turn off their phones. Kara
I agree with you Kelly, that there are certain times and places that a phone should not be used. I also agree that a call from your significant other should not be ignored for the most part. I too only have a cell phone and have for about 5 years. It is convienent, but frustrating sometimes when people know that they can get a hold of you anytime. My job calls constantly, and I have learned that sometimes I'm not available.
I just got one, these are definitely things I need to think about. It's a good thing I live in a foreign country where no one calls me to talk in English, but I'm glad for the convenience.
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