1. Talk on the phone at mealtimes 

 

An absolute no-no for most (81%) of us - yet half of us have been with others who've done it. And more than a quarter (26%) of young adults admit to it.

 

"They should always be off and out of sight during meals, meetings and parties," insists Diana Mather, of The English Manner consultancy. "The person you're with is the person who's the most important. None of us is indispensable."

 

2. Listen to loud music on public transport

 

Three-quarters (76%) of us object to watching videos and playing video games loudly on public transport, as well as listening to music, but it doesn't stop us doing it.

 

3. Be on the phone when you should be listening

 

You're at the till but on the phone mid-conversation. Do you hang up, say a polite "hello" and graciously pack away your bread and clementines - or chat on regardless?

 

It's a source of frustration¹ for many a shop worker, receptionist and waiter. One Sainsbury's checkout² worker was so incensed³ when a customer refused to end her call that she refused to serve her.

 

4. Walk while looking at your phone

 

They've got their head down, eyes peeled to the screen - and they're right in your path. Internally you're screaming Look up! Look up! But no - it's the pavement slalom again - dodging⁴ in and out of pedestrians⁵ in the phone zone.

 

5. Fiddle⁶ with devices while watching TV with others

 

Four in 10 (41%) adults think it's unacceptable to use a phone while curled up with the family on the sofa in front of TV.

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