First step: consider not responding. (What’s the worst that could happen? We all have a somewhat inflated sense of our own importance.) If you decide that you are going to take a call or engage in a conversation by text while you’re around other people, consider leaving the room, even if you’re home. It’s less rude, and it’s also annoying to have to do, which makes it less likely that you will take calls in the middle of meals or start texting under the table.
