Am I boring? Friends on phones

[Jollyrolo]

I’m starting to worry that I’m really boring :(

I try my best to ask others about themselves, and I always really engage in what they’re saying, ask questions, try to chat with relative answers/often find a way to relate to what they’re saying.

I probably don’t have the most engaging topics myself, I don’t really travel or have any interesting hobbies but I can chat about kids, school, work, local area, normal stuff - I’d say I’m pretty good at small talk (many years of working in hospitality!)

I’ve had two recent occasions with two separate friends when I’m in a 1-to-1 social situation and they go on their phone, not all the time we’re together, but a fair few pick ups and a few minute-long scrolls here and there.

It makes me feel like I’m being super boring and I don’t know how to change it up, or is this the new norm? Any advice or reassurance welcome!

Whilst it's not great and looks incredibly rude, Scrolling is an addiction, especially if they feel comfortable enough in your company.

My friend, however actually phones people in the middle of a conversation 😱 she has zero manners, but she does it to everyone so I don't take it personally plus she has 7 kids and she doesn't actually like kids so this is the least of her faults

Going out for a drink/coffee/walk with a friend and they are on their phone-yes, that is rude.

If I’m busy doing something on my phone at pick up and then someone comes up to me, creating a ‘1:1 social situation’, I’d say that was different. That could be the only chance I’d had all day to do x/y/z and it’s perfectly reasonable for me to do so.

Yes totally, I understand but sadly this instance was 1. During a hosted dinner with partners and 2. Friend over for coffee while kids had play date.
mum so pleased you’re all on-side and can also appreciate that it’s not really Ok!