By Deana Meccariello and Kayla Garritano
Have you ever felt like you had to send your date an email or text across the dinner table just to get his or her attention? In the age of technology, sometimes a smart phone can be more threatening to your relationship than another person. With communication so readily at your fingertips, these days it’s hard for some people to interact on a deeper level. Between checking emails, staying updated on everybody’s status on Facebook and Twitter, and “liking” pictures on Instagram, a real conversation can be hard to come by.
This dating advice will help your partner put down the phone when you’re together:
1. Practice what you preach: Put your own cellular device away. How can you get mad at your date if you indulge in the same bad behavior as they do? Quit constantly glancing at your phone. It makes you look anxious, like you have somewhere else to be or are waiting for a message from somebody. Make sure you’re not texting, either. This may be the most annoying thing a person can do on a date. It tells your date that they do not have your full attention. Your top priority should be the person across the table from you. And above all, don’t take a call.  We understand that emergencies happen; however, unless it is a loved one, let it go to voicemail.
2. Make a subtle comment: If they’re texting away every two minutes, say something like, “Well, aren’t you Mr./Ms. Popular?” Hopefully, they’ll hear the hint of sarcasm and put the phone back in their pocket for the remainder of the evening.
Related Link: Dating Advice Q&A: Is Is Ever Okay To Go Through Your Partner’s Phone?
3. Just ask: Communication goes a long way in any relationship. Instead of making your date be a mind reader, just tell them that the constant cell phone use bothers you and that you would like your time together to be intimate and personal.  Sometimes the direct approach is the best approach.
4. Set limitations: Obviously it’s not possible to ban cell phones from your relationship completely. Every once in a while, there will be an important work-related email, emergency or a friend in need. Make a compromise. Say that on date night you would like their cell phone to be on silent and out of sight for the few hours when you are at dinner or watching a movie together. Realize that when the two of you are just lounging around, you can’t expect to shut themselves off from the world. After all, while you should be the most important thing to them, don’t give them the idea that you think the world revolves around you. With reasonable limitations, your partner should be willing to compromise.
Related Link: Five Ways To Get His Undivided Attention
5. Give him a taste of his own medicine: As a last resort, one day when you are doing something that they love to do, pay a little more attention to your cellular device than to them. Text your girlfriends, check your Facebook, send an email and post a tweet. Keep this up until he says something to you about it. Maybe then they’ll understand what it feels like to you.
Do you have any tips to keep your partner’s attention on you and not his phone? Share your comments below.
