So today I ask myself what's going on these days as it dawns on me more n more that though this is the age of social media and use of sophisticated phone types, from blackberries, Iphones, androids etc, people seem to lack good telephone culture and manners.
People get missed calls and don't bother to return calls, some read messages and don't respond. When they eventually get round to it, they act like you are taking up their time or are jobless to reach out to them even if its to send out a message. Some manage to give curt short responses that smirk of sarcasm and most times are plain rude other than usual polite words like please, sorry and thank you.
Some people do not know nor are aware that good telephone manners exist. True some calls may come in at a bad time when you may be busy at work or in a meeting or attending to something, there are polite ways of letting your caller or the person who texted or pinged you know its not convenient for you to respond at that point in time.
We should realise that the person who called or texted may be trying to pass on an important information that needs quick response, it could be an emergency you need to know about and attend to. Even if its just a social call or message, the person tried to reach out to you because they cared to and that should be regarded. Even if you think the person is bothersome or you are not in the mood for social chit chat you could find time to respond and in a nice courteous way too.
Think if you were on the receiving end of being treated off handedly by the person you are trying to call or reach out to.
How would you feel?
People should treat others well whether on a face to face level or through any medium of social exchange. If you can't pick your calls or respond to texts or pings immediately, take time out to search your phone for messages, emails etc and respond. Don't just leave people in a limbo. It's the least you can do to show good manners.
Try not to make rude, impolite remarks or responses nor short curt remarks that leaves an air of annoyance hanging on the person at the receiving end. Remember people who reach out to you, do so for a reason most times out of concern, friendship, to pass on necessary information etc and even if you do not care for the friendship or information passed, the onus is on you to exhibit good moral standard at all times. say things like "can i please call you back" do not say "I'm busy at the moment". instead say I'm attending to a situation right now and will call you back.
Try not to make the person contacting you appear like they have nothing better to do than to disturb you. Give due regard to others at all times and in every situation be of noble character always; a perfect gentleman or a dignified lady.
Try not to snap at people on the phone or sound disintrested and bored. even if you have nothing to say or do not want to say anything, be well behaved in any form of exchange with others.
If you are having a bad day, in a bad mood or simply stressed out, let your caller know. apologise and call back when you are better disposed to do so. lets treat others the way we would like to be treated.
Share your thoughts on this please.
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