When someone is looking at their phone while you're trying to talk to them but still nodding to what you're saying, it typically indicates a divided attention and a lack of full engagement in the conversation. There could be several reasons why they are behaving this way:
Distraction: The person may be distracted by something on their phone, such as notifications, messages, or social media, which can divert their attention from the conversation.
Lack of Interest: They might not be fully interested in the topic of discussion or may not consider it a priority at the moment, leading them to turn to their phone for something more engaging to them.
Social Norms: Unfortunately, in today's digital age, it has become somewhat common for people to check their phones frequently, even during conversations, due to societal habits and norms.
Habitual Behavior: For some individuals, looking at their phone has become a reflexive habit, and they may not even realize they are doing it.
It's essential to consider the context and the individual's personality before assuming anything negative about their behavior. However, if you feel uncomfortable or disregarded due to their phone usage during your conversation, here are some approaches you can take:
Politely address it: You can gently mention that you notice they are distracted by their phone and ask if everything is alright or if there's something urgent they need to attend to.
Reiterate the important points: If they are nodding to what you're saying, they might still be listening, albeit not as attentively. To ensure they grasp the crucial points, you can summarize the main ideas of your conversation.
Suggest taking a break: If the person seems preoccupied with their phone, you can suggest taking a short break and resuming the conversation later when they can fully focus.
Set boundaries: If this is a recurring issue, and it bothers you, consider discussing your feelings with them and setting some boundaries regarding phone usage during your interactions.
Remember that every person and situation is unique, and it's essential to approach the conversation with understanding and empathy. They might not be intentionally trying to be rude; they could simply be unaware of how their behavior is affecting the interaction. Open communication can help improve the quality of your conversations in the future.