I’ve experienced a few times when the person I'm with picks up their phone during a conversation to check a text message or answer a call. To me, this is plain rude. If I'm taking time out of my life to spend time with you, then I expect your undivided attention as well. I have one life, not two or nine, and I have a life clock that's ticking away. Each minute of my life is precious to me. So if we agree to spend time with one another, then let's spend time with one another. That's how I look at things. This is how I practice concentration. So, if someone I'm with is looking at their phone and engaging with their phone when we are supposed to be talking, then I'll just call them out on it. I’ve said to people, “Are you here to spend time with me or to be on your phone? Because if you need to be on your phone, I’ll head off and carry on with other things I have to do in my life.” Now people are not used to hearing this, but it's really important to establish that you have a zero-tolerance policy for distraction. It’s respectful to give someone your undivided attention when you are in conversation with them.
