#64 - Lady at Subway

I am a big Subway eater.  I love sandwiches and could eat one everyday.  (Oh, I do eat one everyday)  Anyway, this is a story about the lady who works behind the counter at the Subway near my office.  One day I was waiting in line to order and because I usually return all of my phone calls on my lunch hour, I was on my cell phone.  Now I am perfectly capable of multi-tasking and I can order a sandwich and continue my conversation at the same time.  This was not in the plan for the Subway worker.  When I got to the counter and it was my turn, she looked at me on my phone, then looked around me and said, "Can I help the next person in line?"  Kinda taken aback, I turned around and looked behind me.  The person behind me was looking back and forth from me to the worker.  At the same time, we both looked at her and she very calmly, with a smile on her face, said, "M'am, as soon as you finish your conversation, I would be more than happy to help you." 

Now at first, this aggrevated me.  I mean, does she not know me?  I am in there 3-4 times a week.  I totally can order and talk at the same time.  But then, as I was driving back to work, I started to think about it.  What really is the proper cell phone etiquette?  Why should I not give her my full attention?  I mean, if she gets my sandwich wrong, I will be really aggrevated.  Why should I not be courteous enough to give her my full attention for the 2 whole minutes it takes to take my order?

Sometimes I long for the days with no cell phones.  I mean don't get me wrong, they are very conveinient ( I know I spelled that wrong, but am too tired to look it up).  But sometimes it would be nice, to ride in my car and just listen to the radio.  Or, put the window down and enjoy a beautiful day.  It would be nice not to have to return all my calls in the 10 minutes it takes me to get home or back to work.  Anyway, just thinking about this, made me google it and yep, you guessed it...they have rules for cell phone etiquette.  So I will take time on this blog to school all of ya...weather you need it or not! :)

Cell phone etiquette can be boiled down to 8 simple rules:


1. When a Private Conversation Isn't Possible. Intimate public settings such as restaurants, public restrooms, waiting rooms, hallways, buses, subways or anywhere a private conversation is not possible is a bad place for a cell phone conversation. To practice good cell phone etiquette, put the ringer on vibrate or silent mode and let the call roll over to voice mail. If it's an important call, step outside or to a secluded area to return the call. If that's not possible and you must take the call, keep your voice low and the conversation brief. Let the caller know you'll get back to them when you're able.

2. Lights Out, Phone Off. Phones should be turned off in movie theaters, playhouses, observatories or any other public place that creates an atmosphere to transport the imagination of the audience. People pay good money to be entertained and a ringer breaks the illusion.

3. Modulate Your Voice. Cell phones have sensitive microphones that can pick up a very soft voice while blocking out ambient noise. Yelling into a cell phone is not necessary. When people are nearby, be considerate and keep your voice low, your tone unemotional and even, and your conversation private. Arguing or airing dirty laundry in public is very poor cell phone etiquette.

4. Observe the 10-foot Proximity Rule. Maintain a distance of at least 10-feet (3 meters) from the nearest person when talking on a cell phone. No matter how quietly you speak, if standing too close to others they are forced to overhear your personal business.

5. Keep It Short. Keep public conversations brief and get back to the caller when you're not in a public place.

6. Love the One You're With. It's rude to take a cell phone call on a date or during a social engagement with others. It's also inconsiderate to take a call in the middle of a conversation. If the caller were present he or she would likely wait to politely interrupt at a more appropriate time. Let the call roll to voice mail and return it later.

7. Drive Now, Talk Later. Multitasking isn't always a good thing. Some evidence shows that accidents are on the rise due to cell phone use. Most calls can wait until you've reached your destination, and if a call is upsetting or distracting pull over to have the conversation.

8. Use Common Sense. Turn off your phone before a job interview, presentation, or boardroom meeting. Leave it off at funerals, weddings, or anyplace a quiet atmosphere is mandated, such as a courthouse, library, museum, or place of worship.

I am guilty of comitting sin # 4 and sin #5, please forgive me Subway worker, and I promise to talk no more (while in your line).