Thoughts about social etiquette

Apr 9th, 2010 by savvyclub

Dear Friends,

You will have to excuse my somewhat deflated tone today and forgive me while I have a little moan. I went for a ‘working lunch’ yesterday with a business colleague who I greatly respect but I had to give a little telling off. Why? Because of their Blackberry.

Now, I love technology. I think the Blackberry is absolutely wonderful (mine’s a Pearl) and it really does seem to be a growing essential, but the problem I have is with the users of this and similar devices.

During our meal it pinged no less than twenty times. Each ‘ping’ was dutifully responded to with a swift checking and tapping. What is wrong with that you ask? I have always found it completely socially unacceptable to answer calls (texts or emails) or, god-forbid, leave your phone on the table whilst dedicating your time to another person. No matter how good a multi-tasker you think you are, the fact is you cannot truly type an email and fully engage in a conversation at the same time. Frankly it is just plain rude.

Technology humming away in the background or distracting a conversation now seems commonplace where as even five years ago if a neighbour popped around to your house the television would have swiftly been turned off and the kettle popped on. It showed that you had respect for that person. In fact the only time I recall the television ever being on in the company of guests was watching the Queens speech on Christmas day when our neighbours came around for coffee and cake!

Now, I’m not saying you should ignore a call from your wife if she is expecting a baby any minute but I am asking you to think about the appropriateness of your behaviour. Mobiles haven’t been around that long so how on earth did we cope before? The world will not crumble if you don’t answer the email that second.

And my single friends. God help you if you start texting during a dinner date!! I think you will find that is a deal-breaker for most people!

Switch it onto silent, pop it into your bag and see how much more you get out of that next meeting or social encounter when you are not being disturbed every few minutes. Trust me. It will be appreciated!

Kind regards

Kim Rix

The SaVVy Club

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Further reading: Kim Rix is featured on page 24 of the Epping Community Times (Spring 2010, Issue 22) “Manners Please”.