my dx partner often starts doing something else in the middle of me talking — picking up her phone, getting up to go do something with no explanation, etc. i’m sure many of you can relate. we have established things that help her listen (like physical contact) but lately she hasn’t been great at actually doing them.

i’m pretty at the end of my rope with it and now i just stop talking or walk away if it happens.

but then if she notices, she’ll sometimes put the phone down (or whatever it is) and try to get me to continue what i was saying.

the problem is i’m not usually in the mood anymore at that point; i already feel interrupted and unheard. she tries to insist and gets quite frustrated that i won’t just cooperate.

is it unhelpful if i’m not open to these repair attempts on her part? what do you all do in situations like these? any ideas?