Cell phone ettiquette...Yes, it bears repeating

Some people will see the title, roll their eyes and immediately skip to the next subject. However, there are alot of like-minded individuals who will agree with me that the social manners have not  kept pace with technology in this face paced world of ours. You would think some of this advice would just be common knowledge and everyone would have sense enough to adhere to common courtesy, but everywhere I go I see just plain bad manners. I am far from perfect myself, but at least I make the effort to take into considerations the feelings of those around me. The problem is that many people just DON'T care, and some of their bad manners extend way beyond cell phone use.  In any case, it may be beneficial to take a second look at the way we all look at these modern marvels of communications. I strongly believe that there is nothing that is quite so important as face to face communication.  Look at this photo...are these gals really enjoying their lunch together...Really?

When I get together with friends, I want to have conversations with each other...not waiting for them to finish a text.  I do understand the need to keep in touch with children or spouses, but I guess it boils down to what you define as "urgent."
Courtesy to those serving you......
As long as I am on the subject, I can't stress enough showing courtesy to all the people you come across each day: waiters/waitresses,cashiers, post office clerks and the guy at the gas station you pay to name a few. I have a true understanding of dealing with the public from working retail for almost 15 years.  When I worked at a hardware store as a cashier, I always understood the need for some people, usually contractors, to be constantly on the phone. Sometimes you just have to make sure you're getting the right thing.  I never minded this a bit if they at least made eye contact with me and mouthed "sorry" or "excuse me".  It made me feel more like a human, instead of a money collection machine. It was the people that wouldn't even acknowledge my presence that truly bugged me.  So many people would say; "Oh, don't let it bother you"...but it always did.  Made me want to go on a mission to teach people some manners or slap them upside the head, possibly both.

 Emily Post, the icon of good manners, has a website: www.emilypost.com with several areas that we can reference to improve our manners. Included are the Top Ten Cell Phone Manners:

1. Be in control of your phone, don't let it control you!
2. Speak softly.
3. Be courteous to those you are with; turn off your phone if it will be interrupting a conversation or activity.
4. Watch your language, especially when others can overhear you.
5. Avoid talking about personal problems in a public place.
6. If it must be on and it could bother others, use the silent ring mode and move away to talk.
7. Don’t make calls in a library, theater, church, or from your table in a restaurant.
8. Don’t text during class or a meeting at your job.
9. Private info can be forwarded, so don’t text it.

10. NEVER drive and use your phone at the same time.

There is a good chance, that most decent folks are already using these common sense principles, but I feel we can all use a gentle reminder. Technology is a wonderful enrichment to our lives, but it is even that much better if we keep the human element intact.

 

Living with Arthritis....coping and overcoming.

I wrote this article with first hand knowledge of Arthritis and was inspired to research and write about the topic from my vantage point: having a front row seat in the challenge of achieving an active and happy lifestyle-in spite of living with Osteoarthritis.  This is a first hand account of my experiences with arthritis, but contains alot of useful information about the various therapies available today. As of this writing, I have made great strides but still continue physical therapy 3 times a week.  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.