When we’re staring at our phones, we’re often connecting with someone on social media or through texting. Sometimes, we’re flipping through our pictures the way we once turned the pages of photo albums, remembering moments with people we love. Unfortunately, this can severely disrupt our in-person relationships, which tend to be our most important ones. Phone users are generally seen as less polite and attentive. Let’s not forget that we are extremely observant towards other people. When someone’s eyes wander, we intuitively know the mind is wandering. We feel unheard, disrespected, and disregarded. A set of studies actually showed that just having a phone out and present during a conversation (say, on the table) interferes with your sense of connection to the other person, the feelings of closeness, and the quality of the conversation, according to TIME. “It is ironic that cell phones, originally designed as a communication tool, may actually hinder rather than foster interpersonal connectedness,” wrote experts Meredith David and James Roberts in their study “Phubbed and Alone.” Phubbing is the practice of disregarding others in favor of our mobile phones. We’ve all been there, as either a victim or perpetrator. Awareness is the only solution. While you may not be able to control the behavior of others, you have the opportunity to model the sensation of being present for others to follow.