News
November 30, 2025
Dear Annie: My friend can’t stay off her phone when we’re together
I finally said, “I feel like I’m third-wheeling with your phone,” she brushed it off and said she was “multitasking.”
**Is Your Phone Ruining Your Friendships? Woman Confronts Pal's Constant Device Use**
In today's hyper-connected world, many are finding it increasingly difficult to disconnect, even when spending quality time with friends and loved ones. This pervasive issue has recently surfaced in the advice column "Dear Annie," where a reader shared her frustration with a friend's constant phone use during their outings.
The letter writer, struggling with feeling ignored and undervalued, finally addressed the elephant in the room. She confessed to her friend, "I feel like I'm third-wheeling with your phone." This poignant statement encapsulates a growing sentiment among individuals who feel their relationships are being undermined by the allure of smartphones.
Unfortunately, the friend's response was dismissive. She brushed off the concern, attributing her behavior to "multitasking." This justification, while common, often fails to acknowledge the emotional impact of being constantly interrupted and seemingly less important than whatever is happening on a screen.
Experts agree that this situation highlights a crucial challenge in modern relationships: balancing the convenience and connectivity of technology with the need for genuine, present-moment interaction. While multitasking might seem efficient, studies have shown that it often leads to decreased focus and poorer performance, especially in social settings.
More importantly, it can damage relationships. When someone is constantly checking their phone, it sends a message that they are not fully engaged in the conversation or the activity at hand. This can leave the other person feeling unimportant, unheard, and even disrespected.
The "Dear Annie" dilemma serves as a reminder for all of us to be mindful of our phone usage when spending time with others. Putting phones away, silencing notifications, and actively listening are simple yet powerful ways to show respect and strengthen bonds. It's a call to prioritize real-life connections over the digital world, ensuring that our friendships thrive in a world increasingly dominated by screens. The next time you're with a friend, consider putting your phone down and truly connecting – you might be surprised by the difference it makes.
In today's hyper-connected world, many are finding it increasingly difficult to disconnect, even when spending quality time with friends and loved ones. This pervasive issue has recently surfaced in the advice column "Dear Annie," where a reader shared her frustration with a friend's constant phone use during their outings.
The letter writer, struggling with feeling ignored and undervalued, finally addressed the elephant in the room. She confessed to her friend, "I feel like I'm third-wheeling with your phone." This poignant statement encapsulates a growing sentiment among individuals who feel their relationships are being undermined by the allure of smartphones.
Unfortunately, the friend's response was dismissive. She brushed off the concern, attributing her behavior to "multitasking." This justification, while common, often fails to acknowledge the emotional impact of being constantly interrupted and seemingly less important than whatever is happening on a screen.
Experts agree that this situation highlights a crucial challenge in modern relationships: balancing the convenience and connectivity of technology with the need for genuine, present-moment interaction. While multitasking might seem efficient, studies have shown that it often leads to decreased focus and poorer performance, especially in social settings.
More importantly, it can damage relationships. When someone is constantly checking their phone, it sends a message that they are not fully engaged in the conversation or the activity at hand. This can leave the other person feeling unimportant, unheard, and even disrespected.
The "Dear Annie" dilemma serves as a reminder for all of us to be mindful of our phone usage when spending time with others. Putting phones away, silencing notifications, and actively listening are simple yet powerful ways to show respect and strengthen bonds. It's a call to prioritize real-life connections over the digital world, ensuring that our friendships thrive in a world increasingly dominated by screens. The next time you're with a friend, consider putting your phone down and truly connecting – you might be surprised by the difference it makes.
Category:
Technology