Often times the question comes up in a conversation about couples on social media. As for myself, it has never become an issue in my relationship. I am on Facebook and my husband has never really been a fan of social media. He would say he’s not looking for anyone because I am right here. It’s a sweet gesture, but the truth is social media is not just designed for people “looking” for someone. It’s a platform for us to share our lives with family and friends near and far. Basically, it’s the future of our world, the here and now. We are faced with a world with technology. Our president tweets more than me. I’ve never tweeted!
My husband and I never sat down and created guidelines to follow while on social media. But I do not need anyone including him defining what I feel is correct or proper social media usage. Mainly because RESPECT IN OUR RELATIONSHIP is and will always be #1 priority. Granted, when I first was introduced to social media, I created an account and started accepting and befriending everyone. It was like the coolest place to be; in the comfort of my home, I was monitoring everyone’s life. But then I started getting PMs from people from my past, individuals that I didn’t want to create a new relationship with because I was okay with leaving them in my pass. Yet I was guilty of looking at their pictures and checking out their friend list and reading their posts. So, I would have short conversations, quickly brag on my husband and son (if it was an ex) then politely end the conversation, finally deleting and blocking them. Why? Because of my RESPECT for my relationship, marriage and the current life that we built as a family. Basically, if I use to hang out with you, worked with you or even dated you and now we no longer computed then it was a reason I left you in my past. Now and then I hear stories about old relationships being rebuilt because of social media. Those are beautiful stories and reminds me of the 80s when Unsolved Mysteries was a hit and people would go on there to reconnect with loss friends, heroes or loved ones.
After reading a few online articles and studies I decided to compile a list of tips to safeguard your relationship. It’s my opinion and may not work for everyone but I believe some will benefit from it. 😊
1. The online activity should always be discussed.
It’s okay to share your page with your mate!
2. Have guidelines for friend requests.
Always say no to the ex!
3. Use your online words wisely.
Remember what you post is public!
4. Never talk negatively about your relationship.
Social media is not the platform to discuss your problems!
5. Never keep social media secrets from your mate.
If you have to hide it, then its deception.
6. Sexual intimacy in your relationship is private.
Do not discuss your love life on social media!
7. Never confine in someone of the opposite sex about your relationship problems.
Problems should be addressed with each other, together!
8. Always be open about who contacts you through social media.
Even if you ignored, deleted or blocked the person, still share with your mate.
9. Always consider how your mate may respond if he or she saw your post.
Never say or share something that you would not want your mate to know about!
10. Avoid private messaging and private chatting.
Platonic friendships that become secret usually become intimate!
11. Share passwords with your mate.
If you have nothing to hide then passwords shouldn’t be private!
12. When problems arise, the first step is always to deactivate the account.
Your relationship is more important than “fake friends”!
13. Always be you, never have a different online persona.
Your life is perfect because your spending it with the love of your life!
14. Social media cannot fix anything.
Every issue that we are faced with on day to day, does not have to be shared!
15. Work on your relationship offline.
It’s ok to have personal time; every moment does not have to be shared!
16. Never compare your mate to an online friend.
This is negative and can cause problems!
17. If someone starts to flirt with you, delete them immediately.
You’re in a known relationship so you should automatically be offended!
18. Never engage in constant conversation and interaction with the opposite sex.
Would you like it if your mate was constantly chatting with someone of the opposite sex?
19. Limit time on social media and balance your life.
Never get caught up in what everyone else is doing that you miss out on your life.
20. Always celebrate your relationship with positive and encouraging posts and pictures.
Only share happy times and never the unhappy ones!
Bradley's Homestead 