5 Idea Utahns Use To Handle Phone Distractions During Conversations

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"...to safely disarm the bomb carefully extract the green wire–like so–and clip...", the black turtleneck bedecked instructor pauses as he sees his once attentive spy operative's eyes slide down to their phone, eyes glazed with the glow of a notification.

We all know this is frustrating when we are the speaker, but what do you do when you are on the other side of the situation? You are focused in on the conversation when you feel your phone buzz, is there any way to do the check without being distracting?

Here are some tips that came from users in Southern Utah:

The Brief Acknowledgment

“Sorry—just need to check this real quick in case it’s urgent.”

This shows respect for the conversation while giving yourself permission to glance. Warning: it also can say, "let me check this real quick to see if it is more important or entertaining than you."

The Contextual Excuse

“I’m expecting a message about [X], mind if I take a quick peek?”

This adds context and signals that you’re not just distracted—you’re managing something specific. Beware of the possibility that if they find out what you are managing it might be embarrassing. “I feel a responsibility to follow the baby zoo bears.”

The Silent Scan

Wait for a natural pause then take a peek. If there is no natural pause create one by ducking under the table or running the other way screaming, "It's happening people."

The Deferred Check

“I felt my phone buzz—mind if I check it after we wrap up this thought?”

This shows restraint and prioritizes the person you’re with, which earns bonus politeness points. Remove some of the politeness by giving the speaker a time limit, "...in the next 5 to 10 seconds?"

Die Die Die

"Out you filthy pocket demon, you don't control me!"

This one might be the most satisfying of all the ideas...for the speaker, not so great when you find out it was your kids needing a ride and even worse when you have to replace your phone.

I like these tips, sometimes I am the one who shows restraint–or more likely, silenced my phone in the theater and forgot to turn it back on–but ignoring the prompt completely sometimes bites back when I find out the text was important and timely.

What other tips have worked for you?