When a friend finally opens up, the phone goes in the bag. Half-listening is a way of saying they’re half important.

It takes a lot to start saying a difficult thing out loud, and most people are watching for a reason to stop. A glance at a screen is an answer whether you meant it as one or not, and it confirms exactly what they were afraid of. They will not say so. They will simply wind it up early and change the subject.

When someone starts, put the phone out of sight and leave it there. Say very little. Most people do not need advice at that point, only the evidence that you are still listening.