Having a car does not give one carte blanche to dominate the road. Owning a cell phone is much the same. Follow these tips to ensure you’re following cell phone etiquette. Whether you have a smart phone or a traditional cell phone, these guidelines apply. If you’re in the market for a new cellphone, take advantage of the awesome deals offered by Groupon coupons and check out the terrific deals offered by Sprint.

General cell phone etiquette guidelines are applicant both in social settings and business settings. When you are engaged with others, the golden rule applies to cell phone usage. If you are surfing or talking on your phone while in the company of others, you are very simply sending the message that you believe whatever App you’re using on the cell phone is more important than the person standing or sitting in front of you.  For example, if you are checking out with a cashier, continuing a conversation or text on your phone is sending a clear message to the cashier. This is simply rude. Very few texts or phone calls are so important that they need to be addressed immediately. If this is indeed the case, by all means step out of the room or step outside. Rest assured that strangers have no interest in what you’re saying.

When in a business setting, ensure that your phone is on silent. Vibrate is not silent mode. There is nothing more distracting to a presenter than having a phone ring or beep during a presentation. Some companies have policies regarding cell phone usage, other expect employees to follow courteous etiquette guidelines. The same usage guidelines apply while in any public place. Church service, movies theaters and restaurants are all locations where cell phones should be on silent.

When dining with friends or family, have a no cell phone policy. This will truly allow everyone to enjoy one another’s company. Again, there is no text or phone call so important that this time needs to be interrupted. Have each member of the group agree to place their cell phones face down, on silent, in the middle of the table. The first person to touch their phone can enjoy paying the dinner bill, or cleaning the kitchen. Enjoy the moment and those you’ve elected to share it with!