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Home · Relationships

12 Ways to Keep Social Media from Ruining Your Relationship

Just five short years ago, Periscope, Snapchat, and Instagram didn’t exist. Social media has introduced a whole new layer to relationships, but here’s a few tips on how to avoid unnecessary friction.

By Ashley Coleman · March 3, 2016October 27, 2020
01
You Can’t Ignore Social Media

Just five short years ago, Periscope, Snapchat, and Instagram didn’t exist. Social media has introduced a whole new layer to relationships, but here’s a few tips on how to avoid unnecessary friction.

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02
No Comparisons!

Remember to never compare your relationship to the curated timelines of others or get caught up in the mirage of options. It’s easy for someone else’s relationship to seem better than yours from afar, but social media is rarely the total reality.

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03
Don’t Be A Timeline Stalker

It’s cool to follow your significant other on social media, but remember to let them breathe! It’s easy to get obsessive and read too much into things, so double-tap their latest photo and keep it moving.

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04
Late Is Late

If you wouldn’t text or call someone at 2am, then you should also limit your social media correspondence to respectable hours too.

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05
X The Exes

Stop following people from the past that you’ve dated. Keeping track of their updates may lead them to believe that you’re still interested and your new partner may think the same.

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06
Slide Out of the DMs

If it’s not business related, why do you need to direct message? Keeping conversations open on social, maintains transparency. What is there to hide?

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07
Take A Break

Many of us love social media, but know when it’s time to take a break. Spending too much time on social media will definitely make your partner begin to wonder what’s quite so interesting. It also takes time away from actually enjoying your significant others’ company.

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08
Set Communication Expectations

It is completely okay to have an open conversation about what is and what is not appropriate for your relationship on social media. Trying to ignore it may just leave you frustrated.

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09
Beware Of Heart Emojis

Stay away from leaving heart emojis in random people’s comment section. You never know whether that person is attached or not. And if you’re attached, you definitely don’t want your GF/BF questioning your comment choices. Show your love for their post in another way.

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10
The 90-Day Rule

You may be excited about your new bae, but just because you don’t post it, doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Use discretion in posting pics of your brand new relationship. Even if you’ve been dating a while, be careful of subjecting your relationship to the lurkers.

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11
Stop Airing Dirty Laundry

This is what journals or real life conversations are for. Your significant other should not know that you’re angry from your latest Facebook update. Some things are meant to be kept between you and your partner. Talk to them don’t tweet about them.

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12
Remember that Consequences Will Follow

Though social media can seem like this alternate reality, our actions on social media can come with real life consequences. The general rule – if you wouldn’t want your partner to see it, you probably shouldn’t have said it or done it.

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13
Remember Everyone’s Watching

Private page or not, social media is a public forum, and there are always ways to see what’s going on. Screenshots are real. Don’t say it if you may not want someone to find it later, especially the one you love.

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