10 Places You Should Never Talk On The Phone, According To Etiquette

No matter how much we find ourselves changing with the times, there will always be a place for the nostalgic callings of our past—quite literally. No smiley-face-filled text or animated email invitation will ever compare to an old-fashioned phone call. You can convey authentic excitement, get immediate answers to questions, feel out others’ emotions, and even gossip a bit without a pesky digital "paper trail," as your extra-chatty aunt and kindheartedly-nosy friend are no doubt grateful for.  

However, despite supporting all efforts to keep over-the-phone chit-chat around, we’re still just as much aware of the importance of social etiquette when it comes to talking on the phone. Minding your phone manners isn’t only concerning time, such as How Late Is Too Late To Call Someone?, but also place. Namely, where one should and should not talk on the phone. There seem to be quite a few public places these days that people seem to assume are fair game for talking loudly and proudly, when it’s really not polite to do so. As a rule of thumb, it's always considered rude to answer the phone while in the middle of a conversation with someone, or while being hosted by someone, but where else?

While it might be tempting to always answer every ring, here are 10 places you should never talk on the phone. 

At a Salon

Salon etiquette is a detailed social guide that is as much for the hair stylists and nail technicians as it is for the other salon patrons. However, perhaps the most important rule of salon etiquette is that one should always avoid talking on the phone. There are exceptions for emergencies and very quick exchanges, but try to avoid making calls unless it’s extremely crucial. 

At the Grocery Store

There are plenty of grocery store faux pas to avoid, but none feel quite as disconcerting to both grocery employees and other shoppers as being subject to your personal conversations as you meander aisle to aisle. Not only is it impolite overall, but it can also distract you to a point of crashing your buggy or holding others up in the aisle. While sometimes it is necessary to call your mother to ask which brand of ketchup she prefers for meatloaf, make sure to keep your volume low and make it quick.

During a Dinner Party

When being hosted at someone’s home, it is important to act politely out of respect for the work put in, and that includes leaving your phone off the table and preferably put away. No matter how sly you think you can be, it is always noticeable when someone is checking their phone constantly. Again, always let your host know beforehand if you absolutely need to check our phone during a meal. 

At a Wedding

While hopefully even the most socially elusive guests would know not to talk on the phone during a wedding ceremony, the rule extends to the reception. Despite there being revelry and music to help distract others from your personal conversation, it is still considered quite rude to spend time at such an important life event chatting over the phone for any reason other than an emergency. If you’re needing to check in on the babysitter, excuse yourself to a quiet, removed area to do so. 

In a Public Restroom 

It should be initially obvious that one shouldn’t talk on the phone in a public restroom, as much for the person on the receiving end of your conversation as the others in the restroom. However, it might be tempting to call someone back during an opportune break from a group setting. Instead, avoid checking your phone if possible until after any social event so as to not be tempted. If it’s absolutely necessary, excuse yourself and go outside for a quick call. 

In the Checkout Line

Beyond even just the grocery store, there is no checkout line where you will be looked upon endearingly for being on your phone. No, the barista, sales attendant, or receptionist does not care that your friend wants to tell you about her new haircut, or your aunt is getting your vote for where to host Thanksgiving. While small talk in the checkout line is becoming sadly less common in general, talking on the phone is dismissive of whoever you are interacting with in real life, which would make Emily Post very disappointed. 

At the Hospital

There are big caveats here, namely if you are needing to keep important people updated on what is going on with a loved one. However, if you are visiting to see a newborn, or for a run-of-the-mill checkup appointment, it is considered impolite to be speaking on the phone in an otherwise serious and professional environment where those working need full concentration.

At a Movie Theater or Performance

One might think that it is assumed that you should never answer a phone call during a movie screening or, even worse, a live performance of a musical, play, or something similar. However, these days there is an attachment to the cellphone so strong for some that the temptation to answer—even “just really quick!”—can lead to some less-than-nice behavior. Keep your phone on silent, and act as respectfully as possible in the case your phone does ring. 

During a Graduation

Similar to weddings and movie theaters, it might seem understood that you should never answer your phone during a graduation ceremony, but you’d be surprised what people are sometimes comfortable doing in a big group environment, particularly if the graduation ceremony is taking place in a large stadium or civic center. It’s also important to note that, again similar to weddings, it is still considered quite rude to spend time at such an important life event (such as a graduation party after the ceremony) chatting over the phone for any reason other than an emergency. 

At the Gym

There’s even an important place for etiquette at the gym or a workout class—namely, respecting others in the same way you would in other places. Avoid speaking lengthily over the phone on cardio machines or strength-training machines. Not only can it seem to be distracting you from allowing others due time at certain areas of the gym, it is never a good idea to be chatting about your personal life in a crowded public space. If you have to wonder, just leave the phone on silent!