When she walks into the room, put your phone face down on the table. I don’t care if you’re in the middle of a WoW raid or watching a cat video. This simple action communicates: “You are more interesting than the entirety of the internet.” Surprising fact: your wife can detect phone usage from three rooms away, like a shark sensing blood in the water. You’ve been warned.
If you absolutely must check your phone, say this: “Honey, I need to stare at this screen for two minutes. Is that okay?” Asking permission for small things—like changing the channel or buying a new tool—makes her feel respected, not controlled. It’s weird. It works.
