A large part of that problem: s/he's your other half.
Socially, and evolutionarily, we've adapted to pay attention to those who matter to us. That means boss, co-workers, and especially family and community partners. We're also adapted to picking out signal (especially speech and movement), which is why muffled talking (more effort to hear and understand it), and any moving video, can be so distracting.
It's why working in a "busy" spot (cafe, other public area) in which those around you are not part of your immediate society can be easier than working in an otherwise quiet location with someone close to you (and why getting to know people at the cafe "ruins" it as a working location).
Socially, and evolutionarily, we've adapted to pay attention to those who matter to us. That means boss, co-workers, and especially family and community partners. We're also adapted to picking out signal (especially speech and movement), which is why muffled talking (more effort to hear and understand it), and any moving video, can be so distracting.
It's why working in a "busy" spot (cafe, other public area) in which those around you are not part of your immediate society can be easier than working in an otherwise quiet location with someone close to you (and why getting to know people at the cafe "ruins" it as a working location).
Know your inner animal.