I think I have figured out how NOT to become one of "THEM"

Hey Rob - for many the cell or smart phone does nto belong to them. They think that the phone is there for others benefit when it is really for your benefit. I'm with you and tend to silence the ringer and vibrator whenever I am with someone. The exception is when I am expecting a critical message. Otherwise it can usually wait as I rarely have meetings that last longer than 30-60 minutes any more. You are not alone!

Good for you.  More than likely, I will never become one of THEM either Rob. Honestly, I don't think there is a need to be that accessible.  Checking every few hours is sufficient in my book.

 Hi Rob, It all depends on who I'm with, what I'm doing and what I have going on at the time. When meeting with clients, or if in meetings, my phone usually will stay in my purse and put on vibrate. Most times though, guilty! Good for you!

one of them one of them one of them... ouch I seem to be one of them!

My husband is definitely one of them and I hate it. I don't check if I am at lunch or dinner with someone or never when I am with a client. Otherwise I do check it often so I am only 1/2 of one of them I guess. Good luck on holding out! 

Rob, good for you.  When I'm with customers I never check, but I do check when I'm waiting somewhere for something with not much else to do. 

I have to figure out if I can set up Blackberry not to beep every time there is an email message.

It's a fine line, isn't it? I get sad when I'm at a restaurant and see a group of people who are sitting there in a very social setting but everyone has their head down and is talking to OTHER people on their phone... good job not becoming one of them!! :)

I think if you are with someone be with that person. You have the meeting with them not with a string of interlopers.