Cell phones are all around us every day and they produce numerous experiences of obnoxious behaviors. And to make matters worse, there is an onslaught of new ways to use our cell phones. The annoying behaviors range from annoying ring tones interrupting movies, meetings, and other places to people talking loudly on their cell phones in meetings and public places. So where are the boundaries, the guidelines and the etiquette for cell phone use?

Here are ten (10) positive etiquette rules for cell phone users.

1. Put your cell phone, pager or other PDA device on mute or turn it off during meetings and public performances.

2. Select ring tones that you will not regret.

3. Speak softly rather than talking loudly.

4. Excuse yourself before talking a call.

5. Commit to not talking on your cell phone in elevators, libraries, museums, restaurants, theaters, places of worship, and other public places.

6. Use the hands free device if you must use your cell phone while in your car.

7. If there is a true emergency, take the call.

8. Keep your cell phone conversations private, rather than subjecting others to your conversations.

9. Keep calm and avoid displaying anger and becoming emotional during a call in a public place.

10. Follow the rules that restrict or prohibit cell phones in public places.

11. Respect the personal space of others by keeping 10 or more feet away from people when speaking on your cell phone.

12. Avoid interrupting a face-to-face conversation to take a cell phone call because it will show you do not believe the person is important to you.