23 Nov Strategies for Capturing the Attention of Someone with Mobile Phone Addiction
Anticipate the meeting without the phone: Clearly express your desire for an uninterrupted interaction. You might say something like: “I would appreciate it if you could put your phone aside or on silent during our meeting, if possible.”
Express feelings lovingly: If the phone interrupts the conversation, communicate your feelings without confrontation. For example: “When you constantly check your phone, it feels like you don’t value my time.”
Negotiate a mutually beneficial solution: Suggest an agreement that works for both parties. For example: “We could put our phones on silent to avoid distractions. I value feeling listened to, and after dinner, we can check our notifications.”
Validate the other person’s emotions: Acknowledge that putting away the phone may be challenging for the other person. Show understanding of their responsibilities. For instance: “I understand that putting your phone away might be difficult due to your responsibilities, but it’s also important to me to feel heard.”
Manage your own emotions: Remain calm and avoid attacking or verbally assaulting the other person during the conversation. This will help prevent the discussion from escalating into an argument or misunderstanding.
