Nowadays, everyone has a cell phone, but not everyone uses it the same way. Have you ever noticed that in a meeting, one person is talking and the other is staring at the phone?
Similarly, many real-life cases show that when we meet each other, instead of spending time communicating and enjoying the moment together, we only focus on the phone, even though it is clear that you have nothing important to do that requires you to use it.
Even during parties or family meals, some people always focus on their phones, not communicating with the people around them, and not caring whether the food that day is delicious or not!
Harvard-trained PhD student Jenny Woo calls this behavior “phubbing,” which means “looking down” at your phone while you’re with someone else. Phubbing can weaken social relationships, leaving others feeling lonely, insecure, and dissatisfied in the relationship.
If you have this habit, then unfortunately, you have a low EQ. On the contrary, people with high emotional intelligence – EQ will be aware of this and they have mastered their phones instead of letting their mobile phones dominate their lives and relationships.
Here are three common phone habits found in people with high EQ:
1. Limit phone use during parties or while chatting with someone
People with high EQs set clear intentions for when and how they will use their phones.
- If they’re having a meal with someone, they’ll put their phone on silent and wait until the meal is over to check it.
- If they really need to check my phone during a conversation, they will first notify the other person and explain what they are doing.
2. Keep phone away
Studies have shown that simply having your phone within reach, even when it’s turned off, is distracting.
People with high EQs are aware of this tendency and will go to great lengths to ensure their behavior is appropriate for the conversation. For example, they will create physical barriers such as keeping their phone in their pocket or in another room. This will help them focus fully on the conversation or task at hand.
3. Set up your own ‘no phone’ zone
Constant and unpredictable phone notifications are agitating to the human brain. Research shows that it takes an average of 23 minutes to regain focus after checking your phone. These distractions pull us away from tasks and conversations without us even realizing it.
People with high EQs understand the importance of controlling these influences. By taking a break from their phones, they can regain their focus.
To eliminate distractions at work, you can turn off unnecessary notifications and switch your phone to “Do Not Disturb” mode.
You can also set up “phone-free” zones, like your dining table or bedroom, to ensure you stay connected to others. By planning your phone use, setting boundaries, and managing notifications, you can change your phubbing habits, focus more on your work, and stay connected socially.
