Quote:
Originally Posted by ColdNoMore
Along the same lines, are those that act like it's the most important thing in the world at that exact moment...to immediately answer a ringing cell phone. 
While there may be a minuscule % of those waiting for a call that they absolutely need to answer, most people (young & old) act as if there isn't that neat little feature installed in cell phones...called VOICE MAIL. 
What did we ever do in the 'olden days' when we didn't have the ability to yap on a phone, when digging for change or coupons...while the cashier and line behind waits for you?  |
Some people have distraction issues. For me, the sound of the phone ringing is one of those issues. I can't stand it. If I'm in a conversation with you and your phone rings, PLEASE answer it immediately. Even if it's just to disconnect/reject the call. Just make it stop ringing. The ringing is interrupting the conversation, and it won't stop interrupting it, until you either answer it, or until it stops ringing by itself. The quicker it stops, the sooner we can get back to the conversation.
Sometimes I have my ringer on, sometimes it's turned off and I only get the vibrate. If it's on and someone calls me, I answer it as soon as I can get the phone out of my back pocket and press the button. The only time I don't do that, is if I'm driving. I allow it to distract me til it shuts itself off, but it's very difficult.
That said, it's unbearably rude to actually have a conversation on your cell phone when you're at the cash register, or in a line at the checkout. Whether your realize it or not, you raise the volume of your voice when you talk on the phone. So everyone in line can hear your end of the conversation. Most of us would prefer not to.
I've actually had customers tell ME to wait for THEM, while they finish their conversation on the phone. I tell them sure, no problem, and tell the person behind them that I'll take care of THEM instead.
If the phone rings, answer it. If you're in a checkout, tell the person on the phone to hold on, OR tell them you'll call them back. If you need to take the call, get OUT of line, step away from it so you're not interrupting everyone else, and handle your emergency.