Being on your phone can be a great way to connect with people who live far away. But unfortunately, the same time spent on the phone can disconnect you from people which is right in front of you and robs you of all the benefits of personal socializing.
Instead of being glued to their phone, when someone feels comfortable enough to place their phone in another room, it reveals some rare qualities about them. And it allows them to live happier and more connected lives.
If someone feels comfortable leaving their phone in another room, they have super rare traits
1. They have an outgoing personality
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People who are anxious in social situations often say they don’t know what to do with their hands. They are hyper-aware of their body movements and don’t want to do anything people will think is strange. These people often turn to their phones to help, giving them a way to look busy while standing and avoid looking awkward.
When people use their phones to avoid social anxietyit can make others perceive them negatively. But for people who aren’t on their phone all the time, and don’t mind leaving it in another room, they’re focused on having conversations. Their outgoing personality allows them to rely on personal connections rather than online ones.
2. They are independent
Some people give in to the temptation of their phones in moments like dinner parties or breaks in conversation. But independent people don’t use their phones as a crutch. They enjoy their time at social gatherings and do whatever they want instead of feeling socially pressured to conform.
Their individualism lets them create the life they want. The way they approach social situations also reveals it in other areas of their lives, where they are able to break out of a social situation that is overwhelming.
3. They are confident
Social media can cause many problems with people’s mental health, such as insecurity in comparing oneself to others and their unrealistic lives. It makes them feel unhappy and hesitant to connect with others. Social situations are already stressful without phones, and people don’t need the added pressure of trying to fit a specific mold they see online.
But by removing their phone from the equation, confident people are able to make connections and face-to-face interactions with those around them. There’s no pressure from their phone, so it’s easier to bond.
4. They value privacy
When someone leaves their phone in another room for an hour, that’s an hour of not updating people about your life and an hour of privacy. When a person stops themselves from updating their social media, they keep certain moments of their life secret.
They don’t let everyone in on all their interactions, and they don’t feel the need to write every moment of their lives for all to see. Instead, they choose what others know about them. They also value the privacy of others, letting them make their own choices without being overbearing and watching them closely.
5. They are empathetic
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People who don’t have their phones with them all the time are more alert and attentive. They may see their friend cross their arms or stand alone and know something is wrong. They may even go over to comfort them. If their friend decides to open up, they can listen better.
They don’t have the distraction of texts or notifications. In fact, this awareness can make them a more supportive friend. They show empathy by picking up on other people’s feelings and lending a helping hand. In contrast, people who get hooked on their phones tend to lose sight of the people around them.
6. They are attentive
Keeping your phone away from you leads to mindfulness while always on it can cause problems with self-regulation. By ignoring your phone, you’re focused on what’s good for you, avoid the stress it brings, and have less negative experiences with your friends.
When you are consistently mindful and prioritize personal interactions and relationships, you can reflect on the joy you get from socializing with people you care about. And it leads to better decision-making that improves your well-being.
7. They are disciplined
Being on your phone releases chemicals that make you happierbut that means you can become addicted to that dopamine release. But those who can resist by placing their phone elsewhere have great self-discipline. They are able to force themselves to disconnect and enjoy what is around them.
Not everything that happens on your phone is bad, even if it is part of your phone’s compulsive nature. Sometimes you might find yourself laughing at a funny video or a friend’s text, but people who avoid the temporary joy that comes from their phones are much more in control of themselves.
8. They have good time management skills
A lot of professional communication happens on your phone, whether it’s employees running their job’s social media or using their personal phone to take work calls. This means that some employees may also try to work while engaging online.
It’s good to focus on your responsibilities at work, but people who do this forget to enjoy the moment. Instead of saving phone time when they’re off the clock, they let it eat up their time and suffer professionally because of it.
But people who aren’t glued to their phones have a good work-life balance. They make sure their priorities are in check, complete their tasks and respond to colleagues as they should.
9. They are very energetic
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Sometimes sending a simple text can feel exhausting. When people have a lot to do and don’t have time to check their inbox, dozens of unread messages are overwhelming. It feels like just another task they need to cross off their list.
In this case, their phone is a distraction, and the more messages that come through, the more worn out they feel. Having to constantly be prepared for social interactions can cause burnout. But when people keep their phones away from them, they feel more energized, able to take on the day ahead.
Lily Bell is a college student studying English and publications covering relationships, mental health, and personal narratives around the human experience.
