A relationship has two people involved, right?
Unfortunately, in our technology-drenched world, that's not always the case.
Couples now face the entire world, all because of their cell phones. We have access to everything we could desire, but sometimes everything we have access to isn't great for a relationship. Different social media sites are filled with articles describing "How to Tell if your Man is Cheating," or "How to Tell if He Doesn't Love you," and "15 Things to Drive him Crazy." While these articles are surely entertaining and well meant, they aren't always relevant to every relationship. Social media opens relationships up to outsiders, their opinions and assumptions. Suddenly, instead of only two people, relationships involve hundreds of people.
Social media is filled with other relationships; couples love to share their day on Facebook, Instagram and Snap Chat, which is great. It's beautiful to share your relationship with others, and to show how much you really care about your significant others.
But here's my question... What if we took technology out of relationships?
I personally have done this; both my boyfriend and I refuse to use our cell phones when we are around each other. Of course, there are exceptions; an important phone call or a time sensitive text, or a dispute that has to be settled with Google. But our phones remain almost completely inactive while we're together. Friends know that when we're together, my phone is on "Do Not Disturb," and they probably won't hear from me.
For some people, that may seem hard to do, or completely unnecessary. But for me, it is actually the best thing I have ever learned to do.
I'm not constantly worried about taking good pictures while we're together. We have only a few pictures together, but that's OK with us. Neither of us are worried about getting a good video on Snap Chat, or a good candid for Instagram. We're only worried about each other, in the moment.
Frankly, it seems like a practice that everyone should try. To ignore technology altogether is hard in modern times. But taking technology out of relationships seems like an important start. Not surprisingly, the practice that started with my boyfriend spread to every other friendship and relationship that I have. When I'm with my friends, I leave my phone alone. With my parents at dinner? Same thing.
Many people now complain that our generation is too attached to our phones. We like to think that they are wrong, but what if they aren't? Take a look around sometimes, and see how many people are glued to a screen instead of interacting with the people around them. Instead of focusing on what picture you can take to get likes from friends on the internet, spend some time in the moment.
Because in the end, trying to capture the moment with a piece of technology will never be the same as living in the moment, and experiencing life as it happens.
