cell phone etiquette

I posted a question on Twitter last night asking our followers about the habit of talking on your cell while using the restroom. I experienced this yesterday, when a woman came in to do her business and was chatting up her daughter about what time dinner would be done that night. I thought it was pretty tacky (and kinda gross), and you overwhelmingly agreed. Here's what you had to say:

• "Unless it's an extremely important call it shouldn't be done."— AlphaAC
• "It's kinda like everyone sitting on toilets around a conference table." — JoleenKBarnes
• "It's so gross. Every time I hear that, it just makes me cringe. Definitely taking multitasking too far." — mariyataukule
• "Eww. That is the LAST place someone should have their phone. VERY tacky." — pixiestix1207

But talking on the toilet isn't the only place you should keep your cell phone etiquette in check. Find out more after the break.

Since we're being honest here, and I've already confessed that I've faked a phone call to get out of a situation I didn't want to be in. But even better may be the anonymous commenter who suggested another way to get off the phone, fast. Thank you, brilliant anonymous commenter!

"I have done the fake cut off by just hanging up in mid sentence. Politely because it's me talking when I do it."

Realistically, this is probably not something that I should be endorsing. And of course, it's a move that's been covered almost to exhaustion in TV comedies. But, because it's the weekend and because sometimes you just really, really need to get off the phone, I'm going to endorse it for certain situations. Of course, be sure to follow it up with an "I'm so sorry I think we got cut off, but I'll talk to you soon!" text. I'd also suggest trying to not make a habit out of it.

If you're reading this mom, sorry! We really did get cut off the other day.

While Kristy is working on her New Year's resolution, I'll be trying my hardest to work on mine: better managing my cell phone etiquette. Despite my best efforts, I'll usually end up leaving my phone on the table while I'm in a social situation, resorting to checking Facebook and Twitter if I'm bored or lonely, or jumping every time I receive a text message. I know it's usually rude and wrong; I've even written about proper cell phone etiquette in the past!

So, in 2011 I vow to be more aware of my phone-related actions. No more phone on the table while I'm dining. No more texting while I'm at the checkout counter. And no more jumping at every text message I receive.

I hope I'm able to keep this resolution through the full year and force a behavioral change on myself. Do you have a geeky New Year's resolution of you own? Share it in the comments below!