Yesterday I had my phone resting on the table as I was eating breakfast. A little old lady was walking by and stopped next to my table, grabbed my phone, and said, “You can’t even see the screen protector!” It took me a moment to swallow/not-choke-to-death on the piece of French toast, but after I got that handled I told the nice lady/potential thief that I didn’t have a screen protector on my phone.

She looked at me in disbelief and then went on a small tirade about how important a screen protector is, that anything could scratch my screen and that I would definitely regret not having one on my phone. My immediate reaction wanted to tell her that I’d never really used them, and that I’d been okay so far. But I realized that if I actually fueled the conversation any further, I’d probably never be able to leave the restaurant.

Either that, or she’d use my phone as an example of why screen protectors are so essential.

Eventually she left, my phone wasn’t broken and I could finish my breakfast. But it certainly left a mark. I’m not necessarily sure that I’m the odd one out anymore when it comes to screen protectors, but I know I am when it comes to general protection of my smartphones. I just generally don’t use cases, or anything else for that matter, to make sure my phones are safe. I generally just baby them. Sure, there have been times when I’ve had my phone on my lap in the car, gotten out, and watched it bounce across the ground, but that hasn’t happened in a long time.

Now, my phone is always right where I know it is, and I’m aware of how not to break it. Or potentially break it, I guess I should say. As well built as these devices are nowadays, keeping them blemish free is pretty important! And yes, I know that that’s an argument for using a case or a screen protector, but when it comes to the former of protective measures, I prefer having my phone be case-free. I like to look at it — not at a case, and use my imagination or memory to see my phone.

But these devices are investments, right? In money, but also in usage and data. Most people use their smartphones for jut about everything, so making sure that it doesn’t break, and therefore potentially lose something important, is, by itself, very important. So maybe hiding the phone under a few protective layers isn’t a bad thing at all, right?

So I’m curious, in the year 2015, what steps do you take to protect your phone? Is it layered up in screen protectors and cases? Do you go all-in with the “life proof” cases or what not? Or are you like me, and just leave your phone case-free and hope for the best? Let me know!