the fake phone check

there's a name for pretending to check your phone in public.

you pull out your phone in a room where you don't know anyone. you're not checking anything.

your nervous system reads standing alone as being watched. the phone gives your eyes somewhere to be.

it's called a comfort object. adults just use ones that fit in a pocket.

the discomfort isn't shyness. it's your body asking for a task.