The rule
When you sit down to eat with someone, your phone stays in your pocket: not face down beside your fork, and not glanced at under the table. Whatever it wants can wait until the plates have gone.
Why it matters
A phone on the table tells your companion that they're one interruption away from second place. Everyone knows how that feels, and giving someone your whole attention has become a rare and valuable thing.
How to do it well
- Put it on silent and leave it in your jacket or coat before you sit down.
- If you really are waiting for a call, say so at the start, and step outside when it comes.
- Taking one photograph of a special moment is fine. Then put it away again.