Pphubbing Can Hurt Relationships! Are You Guilty of It? Find Out! by Ann Marie Patitucci

Pphubbing is defined as "the extent to which people use or are distracted by their cell phones while in the company of their relationship partners," and it could mean trouble, according to Dr. James A. Roberts, professor at Baylor University. Dr. Roberts and Dr. Meredith David conducted two surveys of more than 450 adults to learn the effects of Pphubbing (or partner phone snubbing). They learned "when someone perceived that their partner phubbed them, this created conflict and led to lower levels of reported relationship satisfaction,” which "led to lower levels of life satisfaction and ... higher levels of depression." Crazy, huh?

“When you think about the results, they are astounding,” Dr. Roberts said. “Something as common as cellphone use can undermine the bedrock of our happiness – our relationships with our romantic partners.”

So if you're out with a loved one, it may be time to put the phone away!