Aaron Paul and wife Lauren Parsekian. Image from http://perezhilton.com/2013-09-26-aaron-paul-marriage-is-easy-wife-lauren-parsekian-four-months-strong-breaking-bad-emmys#.VHkFP4uR_zI
Social networking (and other technological advances) has altered how we stay connected to friends, make purchases, network with colleagues, and find out what’s going on in the world. It has been known to destroy relationships by rekindling past flames, beginning covert affairs, replacing face-to-face intimacy with imaginary online closeness, revealing too much information, and cyber-stalking to ease or confirm jealousy.
Some things to remember that will help keep relationships running smoothly online (and offline) are:
- Anyone involved in a committed adult relationship shouldn’t be afraid to be public about their status on Facebook or other social media sites.
- Your partner should be your friend on social media sites. If you can’t see what each other shares publicly online, this could be a sign of impending trouble.
- Reminisce only briefly with past loves. Anything any more than that could put distance between you and your significant other.
- Never vent personal information online when you’re angry. In fact, never do it offline either. Give yourself time to assess the situation and address it without pointing blame.
- Online content is permanent! Even if something posted is deleted (and forgotten), it isn’t really. Nothing ever permanently goes away, and you don’t want it to resurface when you least expect it.
- Don’t over-share. A better way to learn about people is to have face-to-face conversations. Also, don’t publicize every little detail about your relationships and personal life online.
Often, social media does couples more harm than good. However, social media can also be a positive thing that fortifies bonds between partners. Social media is a great way to connect and encourage loved ones during the workday, or whenever they are away. Anytime you can stay connected and increase communication will benefit a relationship.
Here are some fun ways to stay connected and put a smile on that important someone’s face during times when you are apart. Use social media to:
- Remember the good times by reminding them of a special moment you shared.
- Express thankfulness for kindnesses they’ve shown you and for their friendship and love.
- Make them laugh with a funny meme or other online content that you think they will enjoy.
- Just say “Hello” or send a smile (emoticon).
A celebrity who does an awesome job of showing his wife how much she means to him and is an inspiration to us all is Aaron Paul of Breaking Bad. He just might be the most perfect husband ever, complimenting his wife Lauren Parsekian every chance he gets. Read about this very-much-in-love couple here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/03/aaron-paul-wife_n_4032479.html. Awwwe!!
Remember—you have the power to build and maintain quality relationships. The golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” is excellent advice; it is as powerful now as it was c. 2000 BC, “Now this is the command: Do to the doer to cause that he do thus to you.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Rule)
What are you waiting for? Go reach out to your special someone!
—Laura
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