TODAY’S POLL

LAST POLL RESULTS

40.4% of you voted I hold my phone to my ear in yesterday’s poll: How do you usually take phone calls when you’re in public?

“No speaker in public — one of the most annoying things unaware people do. Terrible.”

“If you’re in public, do NOT use speakerphone — ever! Only use it in private. Otherwise, you’re just a horrible, rude person!”

“I hold my phone to my ear. I feel that using speakerphone in public is rude. It’s also rude to be on your phone at a cash register. Just saying.”

“Speakerphone in public is lame. Unless you’re deaf.”

“No one wants to hear your conversation on speakerphone!”

“Nobody around you wants to hear the phone call!”

“I will answer, but excuse myself and try to step somewhere more private when appropriate and available — after a quick screening to see who it is, of course. ;0)”

“If I can’t get to my earbuds quickly, I’ll hold the phone to my ear. But if it’s going to be a long call, I’ll switch to the earbuds.”

“Guess I’m old-school. Hold my phone up to my ear.”

“I hold it to my ear if it is an expected call — from a doctor, work, or a family member or friend — if it’s urgent and cannot wait for a callback.”

“I still have not moved to earbuds at age 60. I cannot get used to people seemingly talking to themselves!”

“It’s one of the hidden benefits of hearing aids.”

“I try to avoid calls while in public. When in public, unless I am expecting an important call, I have my phone on mute.”

“I usually avoid public calls unless it’s really important.”

“It bugs me when people talk on their phones in public for all to hear, so I avoid it at all costs. The caller can text me or leave a voicemail.”

“I don’t answer unless I recognize a number from a family member. Other people have to leave me a message.”

“Sometimes I use an auto text message to say ‘call back’ or ‘text me’ — it depends on whether it’s business or personal, and where I am in public, like a train station or doctor’s office.”

“Phone calls are personal, so I don’t even answer if I am in public. No need to annoy anyone within earshot. I’ll return the call when I get home or off the road.”

“I don’t really like talking on the phone in public. But, I will talk on the phone while walking home sometimes, since I may only pass one or two people.”

“Nobody needs to know my bizness.”

“ANSWERING PROVES YOUR IGNORANCE. NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR YOUR NONSENSE.”

“I am no slave to my phone. I try to set an example by not having it out — I don’t scroll, I bring a book. I monitor my phone hours because they are notoriously addictive.”

“I will answer if I am just sitting in the car waiting for someone. Otherwise, I only answer my husband’s or children’s calls. Everybody else can wait until I have time.”

“I usually avoid taking calls when I’m around other people — mainly because I’m a little hard of hearing, and I’m usually busy or having a fun time. I will note if a voicemail was left and check it as soon as I get a break, in case it is an emergency. Anything else can wait, lol!”

“I will see who is calling first. If it is not an emergency, I will wait to pick up and call back later. There is nothing more rude and obnoxious than someone carrying on a full conversation out loud for everyone to hear.”

“I usually screen my calls and then call people back when I’m not in a public space.”

“I never take phone calls in public — they have to be in private. Also, I don’t like phone calls, period.”

“I only text — I refuse to answer the phone, in public or in private!”

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