Monday 27 April 2015

Social Media and Relationships

Successful relationships require a lot of work, communication, dedication and the commitment to constantly “show up” for your partner.  
I feel we are entering a very different era in personal relationships.  With all the Social Media avenues available there seems to be a very grey line as to what is appropriate.
In the Fitness community I find the line is increasingly becoming blurred. It takes a strong secure couple to not let it compromise the relationship.
Many couples seem to have difficulty in communicating to their partners agreed upon personal boundaries. Is there a fear of seeming controlling or overbearing in regard to giving voice in the relationship? This could be true for any aspect of a couples relationship, but can be particular frustrating and hurtful watching a partner like and comment on a variety of pictures and pages. 
Yet the key to any powerful, fulfilling relationships is communication.  With fidelity we have no problem expressing our boundaries and Social Media should be no exception.
What will work in your relationships will evolve over time. Being able to communicate in a very open and honest manner.  Will you agree all the time? No, but if something bothers one of you no matter how small it is you must listen and respect the other person’s point of view. There should be no problem unfriending, unfollowing, taking down a post, or comment that makes either of you feel uncomfortable.  At the end of the day we should not care what 10,000+ strangers think, the person who shares your life with gets top priority.
 However, as we know there are those who ask their partner to change their behaviours online, and just like asking the person to change in their real life interactions- they may or may not lie. This post is not addressing that - just my personal experience of respecting and listening to each other.  If couples do not listen then it ends in counselling or divorce.
Social Media is an important tool for some we use it to promote the brands we work with.  However, at the end of the day when life happens it is not the thousands of strangers I turn to but my partner.  Having integrity and respect for my relationship will always come first. I believe if you can operate with openness, honesty, and love, there is freedom for expression as an individual and in a relationship. 



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