diff --git a/backend/app/services/connection.py b/backend/app/services/connection.py
index e169e5a..ab6e838 100644
--- a/backend/app/services/connection.py
+++ b/backend/app/services/connection.py
@@ -126,19 +126,15 @@ def create_person_from_connection(
 
 
 async def detach_umbral_contact(person: Person) -> None:
-    """Convert an umbral contact back to a standard contact. Does NOT commit."""
+    """Convert an umbral contact back to a standard contact. Does NOT commit.
+
+    Preserves all person data (name, email, phone, etc.) so the user does not
+    lose contact information when a connection is severed. Only unlinks the
+    umbral association — the person becomes a standard contact.
+    """
     person.linked_user_id = None
     person.is_umbral_contact = False
     person.category = None
-    # Clear all shareable fields — they were populated from the connection
-    # Preserve first_name from existing name so the contact is not left blank
-    fallback_name = person.first_name or person.name or None
-    for field in SHAREABLE_FIELDS:
-        if hasattr(person, field):
-            setattr(person, field, None)
-    person.first_name = fallback_name
-    # Recompute display name
-    person.name = fallback_name or "Removed Contact"
 
 def extract_ntfy_config(settings: Settings) -> dict | None:
     """Extract ntfy config values into a plain dict safe for use after session close."""
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/connections/ConnectionRequestCard.tsx b/frontend/src/components/connections/ConnectionRequestCard.tsx
index a0b19bf..366fff6 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/connections/ConnectionRequestCard.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/connections/ConnectionRequestCard.tsx
@@ -15,7 +15,8 @@ interface ConnectionRequestCardProps {
 }
 
 export default function ConnectionRequestCard({ request, direction }: ConnectionRequestCardProps) {
-  const { respond, isResponding, cancelRequest, isCancelling } = useConnections();
+  const { respond, cancelRequest, isCancelling } = useConnections();
+  const [isResponding, setIsResponding] = useState(false);
   const [resolved, setResolved] = useState(false);
 
   // Clean up invisible DOM element after fade-out transition
@@ -29,6 +30,7 @@ export default function ConnectionRequestCard({ request, direction }: Connection
   if (hidden) return null;
 
   const handleRespond = async (action: 'accept' | 'reject') => {
+    setIsResponding(true);
     try {
       await respond({ requestId: request.id, action });
       setResolved(true);
@@ -41,6 +43,8 @@ export default function ConnectionRequestCard({ request, direction }: Connection
       } else {
         toast.error(getErrorMessage(err, 'Failed to respond'));
       }
+    } finally {
+      setIsResponding(false);
     }
   };