30 Days of Thanksgiving: Fourteen

I'm not grateful for my iPhone...

probably because I don't have one.

But I am grateful for technology (yes, in a Napoleon Dynamite-Kip kind of way), and beyond. Though I'm more grateful for people who practice good manners and politeness with their mobiles. I started a "no technology" rule at our dinner table because I want to make sure down the road we don't have teenagers (or 5 year olds) bringing iPods or mobiles and texting at the dinner the table. If I'm going to take the time to cook from scratch, the family can have the courtesy to eat it and have a conversation. (Sometimes I have to remind Danny of the 'no technology' rule... he does have an iPhone, lucky guy.) Oh and with rare exception the TV is OFF at meals (unless we're watching the Utes...which would usually mean pizza --take out-- that I have obviously not slaved over. :)

I read these in Kate Spade's "Manners" book (which is basically Emily Post's stuff jazzed up.) But you may find them as delightful and encouraging as I did:

CELL PHONE DO'S...

• For economy and convenience.
• When you're on the go and need to confirm or change appointments, reservations, film schedules.
• Keep the conversation friendly.
• When you enter a restaurant, a shop, or a museum, set your phone to vibrate; better still if it's not essential, turn it off.
• Children and Babysitters--Being reachable is a worthy use of a cell phone.
• For an emergency--This goes without saying.

AND DON'TS...

• Don't use a cell phone as a panacea for boredom.
• Don't us a cell phone to talk in public about personal or professional problems, financial woes, health worries.
• Don't swear or conduct an argument on a cell phone in public. Nothing excuses such behavior.
• Don't assume it's okay to speak loudly because you think what you're saying is impressive to those around you. Keep your voice low at all times.
• Don't assume it's ok to speak at length while on a train or airplane.

I would add, ditch the texting at the table and in the car (obviously). And if you feel like you absolutely HAVE to respond to a text or phone call, it's always nice to ask permission of those around you, or excuse yourself politely to do it... the fact that this sounds crazy to so many of us, is exactly why we need to do it.

Here's to civility!