How’s Your Phone Etiquette?

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I haven’t been feeling well since Sunday night and it got worst yesterday afternoon after I was awakened by my phone’s constant ringing. It really irritated me so I checked to see who’s calling. It’s this someone who’s asking me for a favor the other day and I wasn’t able to respond and help her immediately because of too many things going on at home, my new work and my other sideline projects (though if you check my Facebook page, it may look like it’s not that hectic *LOL*). I didn’t bother answering the phone ‘cause I wasn’t ready to give her an answer. And as soon as the current call ended, you know how many times she already tried calling me?

18 TIMES.

Seriously? 18?! And she didn’t even get any inkling that I might be sleeping, super busy, or not near my phone to answer her calls? For me, that’s just rude, especially when she didn’t even bother to text me after I didn’t answer her calls. She could’ve left a message requesting I notify her as soon as I’m ready to answer, or I’m available. Sheesh.

I understand, not many people know how my body clock works. Most people I know online may have no idea that I’m like a vampire – I’m awake at night. I’m more alert and easier to deal with during sundown (LOL). This isn’t just because I’ve gotten used to this routine and my body prefers to be up at night, but also because of my online work (old and new).

This is exactly why I find it inconsiderate when this someone tried calling me 18 times at 11am when she’s fully aware I’m sound asleep at that time. And even if she had no idea, really? Do you have to call 18 times before coming up with a conclusion that I may not be available to take your call?

*sigh* And she’s not the only one who’s done this to me. That’s why I have my phone’s ringing tone set to mute most of the time. But, those who’ve done this to me in the past stopped after the third attempt.

I already replied to her email and reminded her of my schedule. She apologized, but I knew she’s going to do this again. It’s the third time I reminded her. I wish I can just block her number, but I can’t. I still consider her a friend even though she’s a bit insensitive towards other people’s business, schedules, etc. And what’s worst, she’s just asking me for a favor. ARGH.

It’s saddening to realize that our phone etiquette has not improved over the years because of all the technological advances today. We’ve got smartphones where you can now access the internet anywhere you go. There are gps truck tracking, GPS on cars that can get you to your desired destination. We have digital cameras and DSLRs, which resulted to Eastman Kodak (the film) going bankrupt, but provided us with a much better way to preserve memories in photos. We have social networking sites, email and chat which enabled us to communicate and reunite with friends and loved ones. But, amidst all these, it seems we’re so used to communicating so informally that we have forgotten about proper etiquette when communicating over the phone.

If the person you’re calling is not answering your call, for me, it’s acceptable to call again up to three times. After that, I send a text message to inform them of my purpose for calling.

There are also times I tell people to text me first before calling so they’ll know if I’m already available, which is also one of the things I do. This reminds me that I also reminded my “awakener” to text me first before calling, which she didn’t do before and after those 18 calls. *sigh*

I think I should tell people again to text me first whenever I give out my mobile number. This is actually one of the reasons why I’m not into giving my number away: people calling me in the middle of the day even with the knowledge that I’m 99% asleep at that hour.

Please, please. Text me first.

How about you? How’s your phone etiquette?

Image credits: Phone, The clock face