Cellphone Etiquette

We have become so accustomed to immediate response that the thought of even leaving our phone in our car for an hour can feel overwhelming. If we were to forget our phone, it’s justification for running late to retrieve it. It’s an almost accepted behavior to have your phone on the table while socializing or during business meetings if they don’t disturb. Others recognize the importance of putting their phone away, while not so secretly still checking their notifications on their Smart Watches. What are we truly telling each other?

How long can you go without your phone? What would happen if you were unreachable for an hour, or two or an entire day? It’s amazing to think that cellphones have only been commonplace for the last 14 years. When someone texts you, how quickly do you feel the need to respond?

Responding to calls or texts occasionally throughout the day or evening is fine. For general communication, if you respond within a day, it’s perfectly reasonable. Other people’s phone addictions are not your problem. However, not responding to a message, especially an invitation within a day, is rude. Even if you don’t have an answer, communicating to let the other person know that you received and appreciated the message is critical to relationships. Make sure you follow up with the answer or an estimated time that you will be able to respond to them. It is frustrating and feels disrespectful when someone does not reply within 24 hours of receiving a text or call. It can be as simple as, “Can’t talk now, will get back to you later.” If you tend to procrastinate, make it a habit to text back as soon as you view the text, so you don’t forget to respond.

When you sit down to talk with a friend, a client, or an associate, your phone should be put away and put on silent. When your phone is out, you’re telling the other person that a potential caller is more important or interesting than them. When your phone rings or dings, you check it, and you interrupt your visit, confirming the potential person calling is the priority, even if you do not actually take the call.

If one has a child or an ill family member for which an immediate response is crucial, then let the friend know why you are keeping your phone out. Make sure when you check your phone, if it is not a crisis, do not answer the text or call until after your meeting.

When your phone is away, you are not distracted and can listen better. If you’re someone who can’t trust yourself to not check your phone, leave the phone in the car. You will find that without the phone, communication and connecting with others improves and is appreciated.