Cell phones have been around for a while now, and as they've evolved, so has the etiquette - like, since when is it inappropriate to leave a voicemail?
Etiquette expert and host of the etiquette podcast "Were You Raised by Wolves?" Nick Leighton joined KNX In Depth to help us understand.
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Leighton said, "Here's the thing with every new technology, there is this temptation to try and come up with new etiquette rules, but actually, the classics still do work. We just have to sort of modify them."
He said, in general, etiquette is all about being mindful of others and identifying what is most conscious of their time.
Regarding phone etiquette, like many things, it varies from person to person and significantly by generation.
When it comes to younger generations, leaving a voicemail is a no-no; even calling is a mistake, and Leighton said, "I think if you know that about a person and what their style is, then, yeah, I think you'd want to respect their wishes."
It seems the best course of action is to send a text identifying your intentions for the call first.
Leighton said with the new level of accessibility where people can reach us 24/7; it's important to set your own boundaries, "So if you see a call come in and you just aren't in the mood... let it go to voicemail or respond to the text later, you are not obligated in most cases to actually respond in real-time."
He does suggest that if, for whatever reason, you cannot pick up an important call, it is a good idea to send a text letting them know you will get back to them at a more convenient time.
Leighton also shared the top three etiquette faux pas that come across his desk:
- Cutting your toenails on an airplane
- Being on your speakerphone, anywhere in public
- Not RSVP-ing to an invitation promptly
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