I don't think I'm alone in this. When you are talking with someone or someone is talking to you I think it's common courtesy to look at them, preferrably in their eyes or atleast facial region. I don't mind things like a light flashing and you looking to check it out. I even don't mind texting while we converse. So long as between sending and recieving you are looking at me and are able to effectively multi-task.
I do not like it when I'm talking and the person is never looking at me except to glance. Like paying attention, but in reverse. Please don't stare at the tv and glance at me non-comitally. Don't sit there and type away on gtalk or read stuff online while I wait for some sort of response! Don't tell me when I comment about that being insulting that you are 'thinking of a response' when it's clear you are not paying any attention, and you'll inevitably ask me what I was talking about.
Oh, and getting upset that I'm upset over it will not make it any better. I'm a very simple person. If you think I'm in 'lecture' mode there is a good chance I'm trying to open a dialogue. Wether you agree with what I'm saying or not say something. I'm totally okay with you responding with something like, "I don't know what to say" or, "I don't have anything to add", or even " Okay, I haven't thought about that before." Something that makes me feel like I'm being taken in to account here.
Staring at me blankly is not alright. I'm also okay if the conversation is flowing, but you aren't looking at me. It's slightly rude, but I can deal with that so long as I know I'm being paid attention to. Give me something, by God.
But, just to cover all the bases : Look at me and respond with something, even if the response is trivial at best.
Hell, if I'm saying something you whole-heartedly disagree with tell me so. It'll open a debate and give us both a chance for fresh perspectives. I like to debate and talk stuff out.
I know I'm like a ferret. If something shiny catches my eye I'll look, and if it's shiny enough I may even stare at it. But, the conversation does not come to a grinding halt. I still respond. I still look at the person I'm talking to. I don't like to be treated like I'm the shiny thing in your peripheral vision while you are focused on something else when I am conversating with you.
I, also, do not revolve my conversations around the tv. Staring at it while I talk until the commercials when you turn it down and finally look at me, all the while glancing at the tv for your show to come back on so you can turn the volume back up is unacceptable!
It is NOT COOL! .... Wow, that does feel better.
Edited for typo's