Is your phone third-wheeling in your relationship? Here's how to keep your relationship strong in the age of smartphones
Published on Jul 08, 2024 12:28 PM IST
Don’t let digital devices interfere in your relationship and make you drift from your partner. Here’s how you can avoid getting sucked into the digital vortex.
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Published on Jul 08, 2024 12:28 PM IST
1. Acknowledge the problem: Easy access to entertainment and convenience makes us victims of smartphone addiction. This makes the phone become the 'other woman/man' in your relationship. Like a secret affair, it's always on your mind, stolen glances at the dinner table or unabashedly scrolling in front of your partner, without any regard for them. This fuels a disconnect in your relationship, leaving one spiralling as the other scrolls. You become impassive, and emotionally unavailable as the smartphone creates an invisible barrier. Recognise your or your partner’s patterns of overusing smartphones. Suppressing grievances about the smartphone addiction of your partner will snowball into a bigger issue in the future. Point it out and have an honest discussion about how digital devices have changed the dynamics of your relationship. (Pexels )
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2. Schedule ‘no-screen’ periods: Implement screen-free periods during meals, before bedtime, and on weekend mornings, where you can listen to each other instead of your phones. This ensures you get quality time with your partner. Rekindle the romantic spark, and when you put down your phone, you pick up your love life. During this no-screen time, engage in meaningful conversations. For full commitment, you can also use the ‘Do Not Disturb’ feature on your phone to avoid getting calls during this time. This digital curfew helps you and your partner cool down and enjoy each other’s company without any distractions.(Pixabay)
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3. Make your digital curfew exciting: The constant stimulation of social media draws us in because there’s always a promise of something new with the swipe of your finger. It has left our attention span battered, making real-life interactions appear dull. Your love life may reach a stalemate, and you get the temptation to pick up your phone. But don't give up! Liven up your relationship with fun offline activities like hiking, gardening, fishing, and cooking together. The sense of novelty in your relationship can weaken your the hypnotising pull of your smartphone. (Pexels)
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4. Create space for phone use: Just as you set designated times for a digital detox, draw boundaries for device usage in fixed time intervals. This strikes a healthy balance. Communicate with your partner about your important calls, work mails, or simply to check their social media feed, and they will understand and appreciate your honesty. (Pexels)
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5. Mindful tracking of screen time: With screen time tracker apps and widgets on your phone, you can monitor your phone usage and cut down when it reaches an unhealthy mark. It will help you improve. Start a daily streak for minimal phone usage, let’s say only 3-4 hours a day. Keep the competitive spirit in you and your partner alive. Set milestones and achievements to push each other for mindful phone usage.(Pixabay )
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