Should you get annoyed if your partner is on the phone all the time?

Texting, scrolling and checking are all prominent activities when you're hanging out with somebody these days

I was at the local pie'n'mash shop observing another couple. I felt for the guy who was having to communicate with his lady using hand signals to establish what she wanted, while she talked on her phone. She did want two pies and two scoops of mash though, so kudos for that.

Then, as he delivered her meal to her, she carried on chatting on the phone. Surely she'll stop now, I'm thinking. Now that her pie-fest has arrived. Nope. She valiantly carried on, mobile in one hand, and fork clutched in the other. He sat opposite her – in silence. This carried on for around five more minutes and I wondered how he felt. Then, the unthinkable happened. He calmly took her phone, went to the door, opened it and threw the offending device out on to the pavement. OK that last bit didn't happen but just imagine, how many times have people felt like doing that, I wonder?

I was getting annoyed on the man's behalf because his partner's behaviour just seemed so rude. I know I don't know the context – it could have been a really important call and he might not have cared. But I don't think I could have contained my temper in his position. It seemed like peak phone obliviousness.

This happens a lot with texting, scrolling and checking – all prominent activities when you're hanging out with somebody these days. "Most people spend their lives on phones," my friend said when I asked for her view. "I much prefer it when people don't have an issue and understand that it is a part of life now instead of causing a fuss about it."

I can see her point but there's also the fact that 75 per cent of people admit that smartphones interfere with their relationships. To me it's simple – if you're with somebody, focus on them, not whoever – or whatever – is on your phone. If not? You might get a pie in your face.

@lovefoolforever