I have to admit I use my phone as escapism/distraction probably more than is good for me.

That said, I don’t use it at all when I’m with someone, my attention is on them and it’s about valuing time others are sharing with you.

I have one friend who is excused from this as she has personal circumstances which means checking her phone is needed. She always does it briefly and apologises.

I have another friend who used to do it (no circumstances where it was needed) and I found it quite dismissive/invalidating. I noticed a change after the lockdowns when we couldn’t see friends, so far the phone checking hasn’t been happening since. Maybe there was a realisation that time shared is important?

I’ve got to be honest, I do think I’d disengage from someone who did this regularly.