When Using a Cellphone…

• Keep public conversations to a minimum. Try to limit these to only important or pressing calls. Allow calls to go to voicemail if necessary. Also, speak quietly, unless you want everyone to hear your conversation.

• When spending time with someone, it is not appropriate to become engaged in a separate phone conversation. This is especially rude if you are at a restaurant or in a car. Remember, you are with that person to spend time together. Turning off your phone is a nice gesture to show that he or she has your undivided attention.

• Never talk on your cellphone when interacting with a cashier at a store or restaurant. If you are not able to end the call, politely ask the person on the phone to wait while you finish the transaction.

• As much as possible, do not use your cellphone while driving. Think about the situation this puts you in. Because you should be focused on driving, you will be unable to give your undivided attention to the person you are talking to—otherwise, talking to him will be a distraction, keeping you from giving your full attention to the road, other cars and pedestrians. This could be dangerous. Talking on your cellphone while driving also makes it easier to slide into the habit of text messaging behind the wheel, another bad practice, which is outlawed in several states.

• Always turn off your cellphone at the movies. If you are expecting an important call that cannot wait, turn the ringer on “vibrate,” and sit near an aisle so it will not disrupt others if you need to step out for a second. Turning off your cellphone will have the added benefit of forcing you to enjoy the movie without worrying about who is calling. Also, turn it off at plays, symphonies or other events where it might be distracting to others, and never bring your cellphone into the hall where you meet for Church services.