Feb
Maybe it’s because your work demands a considerable amount of socializing, or because you recently overcome a serial and uninspiring adolescence, or maybe it’s just because your life is tremendously hip, but the fact is that you are concerned with etiquette (and hence, style).
You have developed a chromatographic nose for wine, an incredible sense of fashion and you try to put on practice the genuine and timeless habits of a true gentleman; still, you answer your cellphone in company of the new girl you invited to that fancy restaurant. Jesus…
You don’t look cool placing your mobile on the table and you look worst when answering. Fancy or romantic restaurants aren’t public booths. Relax, enjoy your meal and call back Mr. Gutierrez.
The same goes for movie theaters and any other kind of auditorium: silence is expected. And, unless you have a justification like: “Excuse me, it’s a call from the hospital. The pop is in the intensive care unit and they were supposed to call in case they needed authorization to start resuscitation attempts”, stay away of your phone on any date (no matter how boring), one-to-one conversations (business meetings included) and dinners.
Discretion is advised on any other circumstances, such as elevators or public transportation.
Some final words: Cell phones, regardless of their cost, doesn’t make you look connected, sophisticated or hot. Headsets remind me kids with phony walkie-talkies transmitting to imaginary commandos: wear them intensively only to convey the impression of imaginary clients and colleagues.
I’m a Software Engineer, believe me when I say: Technology is an ungrateful biatch, treat it correspondingly.
This post is dedicated to my friend, Arturo T, who is annoyingly fond to microwave communications.
