How many times  do you experience a friend, a family member, or partner who looks at their phone, answers their phone, or plays on their phone while you are in a conversation, or trying to spend quality time together? I believe most people will answer it happens a lot more than it should. I know I experience this and have done this myself more than once. I believe there should be cell phone etiquette practiced to keep good relationships.

1. When out to dinner with anyone, put the phone away!
2. When in a conversation with someone in person, do not answer the phone, nor check your e-mails.
3. When in line at the grocery store, put your phone away. It is extremely rude to talk on the phone while the cashier is checking you through.
4. When out with a friend, or family member, put the phone away and stop playing those games as a way to avoid conversation.
5. Put the phone away when you are driving!
6. Do not use the phone in the bathroom, no one wants to hear you going to the washroom.
7. Do not use your phone in bed if there is someone next to you!
8. When spending time with your kids at the park, put the phone away! It only takes a moment for a child to be kidnapped, don’t be so irresponsible.
9. Don’t use cell phones in Libraries.
10. Respect the people around you and check your volume, no one cares about your time of the month, or any other personal conversation you are busy chatting about without regard for those around you.

We are moving from a world that lives in the now and values connecting to people in person, to one that lives in a virtual world. If people are not more conscience as to when and how they use their cell phones, relationships are going to be negatively impacted. No one wants to feel as if they don’t matter and by using your cell phone when you are in the company of a living, breathing person, you are showing them you don’t value their presence.  Real people matter way more than virtual people.