Ball caps & cell phones

[TacoBaco]

I first would like to apologize if we disagree here....

BUT, I have a question.. I'm trying to choose my words wisely, because I don't want to use the wrong word, and have everything twisted around...

My DH gets very annoyed when I have my phone out at the dinner table, especially if we are in public... I never answer my phone in a restaurant, and I usually have the sound super low, but I do keep it on the table..

Now, I don't like hearing others phone's ring when I'm at dinner, and I really don't like hearing their entire phone conversations. I guess maybe I find it rude? (not sure if that's the right word)

AND ball caps,,,, I was raised that you never wore a hat at the table, and I seem to notice, more, and more, and more men (in my area anyway) wearing hats at the table in a restaurant... So not something I find offensive, but it's something I was taught that you don't do...

So DISers, how do you feel about answering phone calls, and wearing ball caps when dinning out?

 

[DeaverTex]

Answering the phone depends on the call. If the person receiving the call is, say, a doctor or a computer technician on call, and the number is one that could be directing action (the hospital, the call center, etc.) then answering a phone during dinner is a necessary evil. If there isn't some such situation, then there is no reason -- at least in my opinion -- to answer the phone during dinner, particularly when dining out. Being able to hear the ring at all would only be acceptable -- again, in my opinion -- if for some reason it might be essential to answer the phone and act on the call.

As far as wearing a hat at dinner... If wearing a hat isn't a religious requirement, then it's just plain rude to wear one at the table. I don't care if you're a "cowboy, who never takes his hat off", or whatever. Take your hat off at the table. It's just good manners, whether you're dining out or at home.

 

[Janepod]

Why do you keep your phone on the table if you're not going to answer it? I agree with your husband.

Regarding the ball caps, I agree with you.

 

[minkydog]

I think both are rude. To me, the phone on the table just says "I might be getting a better offer, so I'm gonna be ready just in case." Even if the ringer is off, it's distracting to the persons dinner party--every time the screen lights up, the eyes drift down to the screen, effectively telegraphing to the table mates that whatever they have to say isn't nearly as interesting as what may possibly be on the screen. If you're a doctor or someone who needs to have contact every second of the day(which would be very few of us) that's acceptable. Otherwise, put the phone in your pocket or purse for the 1 hour it takes to finish the meal.

And don't get me started on hats. Unless there is a religious restriction or medical problem that requires the hat to remain on the head, those hats need to come off as soon as they enter the building.

Just my 2 cents

 

[shellybaxter]

I think it is rude to have a phone on the table during dinner. If it "alerts" you in any way - even just lighting up - it takes your attention away from your husband, or whoever else you are with. That being said, I usually leave my phone in my purse, but if it is a casual restaurant I will leave the sound on and answer it if it is important. If it is a nicer restaurant where people actually go as much for the atmosphere as the food, I turn of the phone completely. It is totally rude to have a phone on in a restaurant like that - even for a doctor. If you are "on call" don't plan a nice dinner.

 

[Coconut36]

I think both are rude. To me, the phone on the table just says "I might be getting a better offer, so I'm gonna be ready just in case." Even if the ringer is off, it's distracting to the persons dinner party--every time the screen lights up, the eyes drift down to the screen, effectively telegraphing to the table mates that whatever they have to say isn't nearly as interesting as what may possibly be on the screen. If you're a doctor or someone who needs to have contact every second of the day(which would be very few of us) that's acceptable. Otherwise, put the phone in your pocket or purse for the 1 hour it takes to finish the meal.

Totally agree with the bold. Frankly it is extremely rude and it does scream "you aren't important enough for my full focus". Unless something incredibly urgent/life altering is going on and you absolutely need to get that call there is zero reason it can't be put in a pocket/purse and left alone until the meal is completed.

Ball caps/hats should be removed but they are not a huge pet peeve of mine.

 

[TacoBaco]

P.S. I forgot to mention that the age range of the men wearing hats, seems to fluctuate from young boys to grandpa... I counted the other night, and just from where I was sitting I could see 8 guys wearing ball caps, at a TS steakhouse..

 

[NikitaZee]

I think the cell phone at the table is more rude than the ball cap (particularly if it's a casual restaurant). I do believe ball caps, hats etc should come off - but it won't bother me as much as someone using their phone at the table.
The vast majority of people I see with their phones out while dining are not on a call. They are texting or playing with their smartphone, checking Facebook, sports scores, etc. Rude IMO.

 

[Bungle]

No hats of any kind at the table. As for the phone I would say no, but I do keep it close by when the kids are with a sitter.

 

[spacemountainmom]

It drives me absolutely nuts to see a male of any age wearing a hat while dining. I just want to go knock it off their head and explain to them how rude it is, but I manage to control myself. My dh knows better and my son was taught from an early age to remove his hat.

I don't leave my cell phone on the table either. I do keep it nearby in the event there is an issue with the kids. Now that dd is driving, I like to be available. I do turn the ringer off.

I have to say one of the saddest things I ever saw was last winter when dh and I attended the TSO show. The arena has a pretty nice buffet restaurant and we were seated near a couple in their 20's. I don't think they ever spoke a word to each other during dinner. They would go get their food, sit down and eat a bit and then play with their crackberries. DH and I spent most of our meal talking about how sad it was.

 

[sam_gordon]

First, my phone stays in my pocket. If it rings while I'm at dinner, I will check to see who the caller is... if it's DW or kids (if I'm out with DW), yes, I will answer it. If it's work, I might or might not answer it (I'm on call 24/7 depending on the severity of the emergency). Anyone else, I won't answer. Now, I have no way of knowing if it's any of these people until I look at the phone. If I need to take the call, I will step out of the restaurant.

Second, you say you don't like hearing other people's phones ring or their conversation (which I respect), but you leave your phone on the table. Why?

Regarding ball caps, I try to remember to take mine of while at the table, but sometimes there's no where to put it.

 

[luvmy3]

I totally agree about hats at the table, and I have noticed that boys and men do not take them off. My ds (who always wears a baseball hat) knows that the minute he sits down, he takes it off.

I think the phone on the table really depends. I keep my phone out when one of my kids is not with us. I am paranoid about missing a call when its in my bag. If all of my kids are with me then it stays put in my purse.

 

[Amy]

Wow - something most people on the DIS agree on!

Cell phone - if you might need to take a call (a doctor on call, kids with a sitter, etc.), phone should be on vibrate and in your pocket. A quick check of who's calling and that's it. If you need to take the call, step outside so you don't disturb other diners.

Hats - should be removed in restaurants; if no place to hang it, keep it in your lap. Good manners.

 

[Jennasis]

1. I don't think it's a big deal if people wear a ball cap at a restaurant like a chain...Applebees, Fridays, Chili's etc). At nicer restaurants I find it odd.

2. My phone is always out on the table (off to the side). I need to be available 24/7 for my business and my clients, and it's the only clock I have (and I use the tip calculator it has too). It's always on silent.

 

[DeluxePrincess]

Just curious, what exactly is it about hats/caps that people find so "rude" while dining?

 

[pyrxtc]

no phone's on the table and no ball caps on either. My DH does both and it's annoying but I live. he's not even taking phone calls, he's playing games until the food comes.

 

[robinb]

Wow - something most people on the DIS agree on!

Cell phone - if you might need to take a call (a doctor on call, kids with a sitter, etc.), phone should be on vibrate and in your pocket. A quick check of who's calling and that's it. If you need to take the call, step outside so you don't disturb other diners.

Hats - should be removed in restaurants; if no place to hang it, keep it in your lap. Good manners.

1. I don't think it's a big deal if people wear a ball cap at a restaurant like a chain...Applebees, Fridays, Chili's etc). At nicer restaurants I find it odd.

2. My phone is always out on the table (off to the side). I need to be available 24/7 for my business and my clients, and it's the only clock I have (and I use the tip calculator it has too). It's always on silent.

I guess that we all don't agree with the "rudeness factor" of caps and phones . FTR, I agree with Jennasis. I don't think that caps are a big deal in casual restaurants and my phone is always on the table even though I don't have a particularly good reason for it.

 

[luvmy3]

Just curious, what exactly is it about hats/caps that people find so "rude" while dining?

I don't necessarily find it rude, I mean if you want to do it, feel free its not going to effect my meal in any way. I was just raised that it was proper to remove your hat when sitting down to eat, just like I was raised to say please and thank you. I have raised my kids the same, so while its not rude for them to wear their caps at the table, I consider it poor manners. (And that goes for anywhere we we are sitting except the ball park ).

 

[emksmama]

If I'm expecting a call (kids with sitter, sick family, etc) then my phone is on vibrate and in my pocket. Otherwise it's in my purse with the ringer on (except at church or while teaching, then it's on vibrate). If I have to answer the call, I'll step out of the restaurant. At home it's usually on the kitchen counter.

DH was raised to always remove a hat when entering a building, even if it's the house, so he never wears it at the table no matter how casual the restaurant. If there's nowhere to put it, he'll clip it to his belt loop or if he wore a coat, it goes in the coat sleeve.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

My DH got yelled at by an elderly man at Bravo Cucina restaurant for wearing his baseball hat on while eating. I actually started a thread on it here. My DH was so upset that the man approached us that he couldn't even eat his meal!