March 28, 2016
Sometimes Hinting Doesn't Work By now, all my friends and family are aware that I do not look at my phone when I'm out with them. If I'm out with anyone and they keep looking at their phone, I immediately say in a very sweet and loving way, "You'll notice that I rarely look at my phone when I'm with you. This is because I value and treasure my time with you. Please show me the same respect." This usually nips it right in the bud and I seldom have to say or do anything else. If they continue to occasionally look at their phone after I've said this, I will touch their hand gently and repeat it. If they STILL continue to look at their phone every few minutes, I will say, "I love you, but I will not tolerate disrespect. Please call me when you are ready to spend quality time together." Then I get up right then and leave. (Yes, even if I'm at a restaurant alone with them!) We must be willing to let people know how we feel and then be willing to enforce it if they don't respect us. We can't control others, we can only control our reaction. Lots of love. How do you handle smartphones at the table? Tell us, by signing up for the FREE Dr. Laura Family and send an email here.
Posted by Staff at 10:58 AM |