It's a never ending source of amusement to me how certain etiquitte evolves.
So, if I'm in Kyoto, eating at a McDonalds, my privacy doesn't count? Any slob at the next table can intrude with a ringing (is that the right word, considering some of the "ring tones" that are being downloaded) phone and loud conversation. But if I move upwards one step, to a casual dining place, then phones are considered impolite.
Me, I don't see any difference.
Of course, phone ettiquite is an all but lost artform anyway. F'rinstance, how come people who complain about companies putting them on hold have no problem, while talking to somebody, saying, "hold on a sec. There's a call on my other line."?
To my way of thinking, that's one of the rudest things you can do. What you're saying is, "you're not as important to me as this incoming call, so you can wait while I talk to them."
Trust me, anyone who does that when I'm on the phone does not find me waiting when they finally come back. |