We are blessed in this day and age the ability to use modern technology in a way like never before. Suddenly, long distance relationships are made easier by a video call, or we can WhatsApp picture to our loved ones when we are working thousands of miles away. But with this advent comes a tendency by many to take it for granted and use it in place of a real physical presence at times. We need to be cognisant of the fact that modern technology should enhance relationships, not replace them.
There are many ways that we can get back to basics. They do require discipline, often from both parties in a relationship, but simple steps are all that is needed to feel more in touch with our significant other.
One of the main ways we can do this is actually to make more meaningful interactions by not texting each other or calling each other needlessly throughout the day, but instead, making a note of all the things we want to tell our partners about and then either starting a chain of conversation or picking up the phone and having a lengthy, meaningful discussion about how our day has been. Of course, important messages cannot wait, but often a long-distance relationship will suffer because the actual interactions are suffering from burnout, such is the frequency of the ‘back and forth’.
A ‘put away’ role is also excellent in the evenings and on days off. How many times do we get annoyed because our partners have their phones out during dinner or an important conversation? Quite simply, the readiness of data and the addictive nature of social media mean we often feel like we come second. Agree a ‘dead time’ and put the phones away.
As previously said, relationships can be bolstered greatly by modern technology, but it is about finding a balance and middle ground where we do not rely on it to do the work in our relationships for us. Make time for the real human interactions; these are the ones that truly matter.
