The digital age has made communication faster and readily available round the clock via the mobile devices. People around the world can now connect instantly and even see each other in real time.
But while mobile technology has its advantages particularly in terms of communication, it also has disadvantages. In the case of married couples, for instance, the constant use of smartphones, tablets and laptops even while in the house can strain their relationship. In worse cases, this can even lead to divorce, according to a divorce lawyer from Sevens Legal. A recent study published in the Psychology of Popular Media Culture journal found that technology and screens disconnect people from their partners.
As people could not afford to live without their mobile gadgets these days, their relationships also suffer. Some are so attached to their smartphones that they could not help but check it from time to time even when they’re eating dinner or watching TV with their families at home. A study by Mobile Mindset has confirmed this saying that nearly 60 percent of people admit that they don’t go an hour without checking their phone and they do this while lying in bed before they sleep, after waking up and even in the middle of the night. This was referred to by the researchers as “technoference” or the interference of technology in a relationship.
So when should couples turn off their gadgets to ensure they maintain their intimacy and harmonious relationship at home?
Couple Leisure Time
During leisure time whether at home or outdoors, couples should as much as possible avoid using their mobile phones. This is a sign of respect to your partner and a commitment to spending quality time together.
In this fast-paced life that people lead today, every spouse should make an effort to turn off their gadgets even for just an hour or two. If you’re able to do this, you’ll find it fulfilling and your partner will even appreciate you for it.
Conversations
Conversations should also go without interruption particularly when important marital or family problems are being discussed by the couple. Research has shown that trust and satisfaction on the relationship can be lessened when a couple engages in a conversation with their cellphones.
This habit can also cause a spouse to be jealous, insecure and feel resentful as he or she is given less attention. But if you want to make your marital bond last, make an effort to turn off or put in silent mode your mobile gadget so you can focus on your conversation and find immediate solutions to your problems.
Mealtimes
Eating with your partner or your family should give you an opportunity to update each other about your individual activities during the day. Hence whether you’re waiting for an important call or you just received a text message, it is just but fitting to set your gadget aside for the meantime, turn it off or set in silent mode to listen to what your spouse or children have to share. Anyway, mealtime only takes around 15 minutes hence your call or text message can always wait.
Keep in mind that eating meals together helps strengthen a family relationship so avoid using technology while you’re enjoying good food and conversation.
To improve marital relationship, it is vital for couples then to set rules on their use of technology especially at home. Agree to put mobile gadgets out of reach in sacred places such as your bedroom.
Originally posted on January 31, 2015 @ 7:59 am