Tips To Not Let Electronics to Interfere with Your Marriage
With the increase in technology, it’s no secret that electronics have taken over our lives. Smartphones, laptops, and tablets are just a few examples of electronic devices that have become an integral part of our everyday routine. While we have become dependent on these devices for communication, navigation, and entertainment, we also need to realize that excessive use of electronics can bring a negative impact to our marriage.
Electronics have become significant distractions that keep us from giving the attention and time our spouse deserves. Couples who choose to prioritize their electronic devices over their relationship risk compromising their emotional connection, communication, and intimacy. In this blog, we will share some tips to help you limit the interference of electronics in your marriage.
Set boundaries
It is essential for couples to communicate openly and effectively about how they desire to balance electronic device usage in their relationship. Setting boundaries about when and where electronic devices should be used will provide clarity to both partners and encourage them to focus on each other when together. For example, you can decide to keep your phones away while out for dinner or while spending time in the bedroom. By setting boundaries together, you are strengthening your bond with each other.
Plan device-free activities
You can use devices to plan some fun device-free activities together. These activities can be as simple as taking a walk in the park, going hiking, or cooking dinner together. You could also turn off your devices when catching up on your favorite TV show, so there is no temptation to scroll through your phone. Having device-free activities will bring you closer as a couple, creating opportunities to connect intimately and emotionally.
Prioritize communication
With our phones constantly beeping and ringing, it is easy to let technology interrupt face-to-face communication with our spouses. Instead, make a conscious effort to prioritize communication by setting aside daily distraction-free conversations. This can be during breakfast, while driving to work, or before going to bed. Prioritizing communication over technology will help strengthen your bond as a couple and enhance your emotional connection.
Create boundaries for social media
Social media has become an important part of our lives, and it can take up a significant amount of our time if we let it. As a couple, it is important to establish limitations about social media use to keep it from becoming intrusive in your relationship. You can limit usage by scheduling a daily “social media break” or by turning your phones on airplane mode while spending intentional intimate time with your spouse.
Have a technology-free day or weekend
Finally, if you find technology is overtaking your relationship, make the effort to go technology-free for a day or even a weekend. Use this time to connect with your spouse, discuss plans, and spend quality time together. This will help you rediscover the values of your relationship and bring you much closer to each other.
Conclusion
Electronic devices are not the enemy, but they can have significant impacts on relationships if not managed correctly. Learning to set boundaries on device usage, planning device-free activities, prioritizing communication, creating social media boundaries, and having a technology-free day will all help keep devices from becoming intrusive in your marital relationship. Remember, the most important aspect of your relationship is your emotional and intimate connection with each other. Don’t let electronics take away from that. If you're looking for a marriage counselor in Orlando, FL, contact Orlando Thrive Therapy today for more information.
