Husband won't put his phone down Post Reply

[fourlegs]

I think lockdown might have turned my husband into a tech junkie. He is never without his phone in hand including family mealtimes which I find very annoying and his bedtime is becoming later and later whilst he stays up gaming on my son’s playstation.
I keep asking him to put the phone down but he doesn’t.  I’m concerned for the example he’s setting the children and worried about what he will do when we start seeing friends again. I will be hugely embarrassed if he starts checking his phone over drinks and dinners like he does now.
Not sure what to do as my repeated requests are falling on deaf ears and it is becoming a bigger and bigger issue. Any ideas would be very welcome.

[Sw11247]

I’d suggest watching the The Social Dilemma together, it’s on Netflix; good way to explore the impact of tech together and may encourage him it limit his screen time.

[jo.dough]

I have the same problem but it’s not just inane scrolling, he’s addicted/obsessed with work emails and messages. He feels totally indispensable but I feel that he doesn’t need to go back to emails sent at midnight or even after 7pm. I’m interested to hear what people have to say on this!

[boonkoh]

One doesn't get addicted to the phone, but an activity on the phone. Is it Gaming? removed as this is a word used by spammer? Social media? Netflix? ******? Work emails? News?

Key will be to find the root cause of the addiction, and find ways to solve it.

Otherwise it might be more macro - maybe he's lost all interest in you, family, socialising. What does his behaviour say when he's not using his phone? Does he immerse himself in solo activities or actively participates in social activities?

[saltandpepper]

A friend's husband brings his phone to our lunches and dinners and it drives me mad. I find it so rude. If asking him to stop the constant checking isn't working maybe write him a letter and suggest that you see a counsellor or mediator. These small things have a way of becoming bigger things so best to try to nip in the bud. 

[ronangel]

Call him and have a chat about it! maybe meet later in bed?