Come on, it's 2010, and you're still using a cell phone to spy on your boyfriend?

By Charlee Sairrino

Q: My boyfriend recently started turning his phone face-down. I noticed it the other day because it was going off a lot and he was ignoring it. Normally, he puts it out of sight or has it on silent. Does this mean anything?

A: I don’t know, does it? It could be a sign that he is getting more comfortable with you. Enough to leave it out and for you to know how wildly popular he is. Maybe it’s a tactic to get you to be jealous and wonder about it? … Or - stick with me on this - it could mean absolutely nothing.

However, this is kind of a good question, so I asked a few guys for their opinion on the matter … Yep, on occasion, I do ask for professional opinions from subject matter experts … In this case, those experts are two single guys and one guy who is attached. Here’s what they had to say:

Single Guy #1: “Well, I have an iPhone and the entire text pops up. I don’t know who will be texting me what, so I turn it over to avoid awkward moments that I will have to explain away if anyone sees it.”

He went on to say that he will act more interested in his phone than a chick if necessary so she will get annoyed and leave. That way, there are no awkward explanations about how he doesn’t want to see her anymore. What a gem.

Single Guy #2: “Unless I am expecting a call or text from family, or it’s something I can share with the girl I’m seeing, I usually put my phone up and get back to it later. It’s rude to have the ringer on, even if you don’t answer it.”

Good manners. I like it.

Hooked Up Dude:

“I have it out but facedown so that I don’t spill stuff on the face of it, that’s all.”

When he asked the girl he was seeing why she kept her phone in her purse she didn’t skip a beat as she replied, “So I am not distracted from spending time with you.” … Boy, if that’s not a guilt trip, I don’t know what is.

Honestly, you’re reading a lot into nothing. If you can sense the relationship ending and you are looking for clues to confirm it, then your own paranoia should be considered your first clue.

He was ignoring his phone, so obviously, he was more interested in you than whoever was tele-stalking him. It’s not really his phone you need to keep an eye on anyway: check out his social networking sites. That’s where it’s at.