Thanks to modern day technology, we could all use a digital detox.
Let me walk you through a typical evening for the modern day couple.
It’s Saturday night and you and your hubby have just left the restaurant. Date night is long overdue. You’ve both been crazy busy at work and haven’t had a lot of time together lately.
Thankfully, tonight is all about the two of you.
No distractions. No emails to answer. And no “I’m too tired.”
It’s all about the romance tonight.
You’ve spent the last three hours flirting over dinner and now, all you can think about is drinking wine and cuddling by the fireplace.
As you get into the car, your cell phone rings and naturally, you answer.
“Hey, how are you? That’s awesome! Tell me more. I only have 15 minutes as we’re just on our way home.”
15 minutes goes by and you politely hang up. You don’t want to waste any time. Let the evening of massages, kisses, and romance begin.
But, as you say good-bye, you notice an instant energy shift.
Your sweetheart has gone from happy to gloomy in a matter of minutes.
No more smiling. No more lovey dovey talk. And definitely no more flirting.
“Babe, what’s wrong?”
No response.
“Babe. Hello!! Did I say something? Why are you quiet all of a sudden?”
Needless to say, your hubby wasn’t impressed with you answering your cell phone, let alone having a 15 minute telephone conversation during date night.
Since you’ve been together for a while, you didn’t think it was a big deal to answer your phone.
It was a harmless phone call and you ended the call as soon as you pulled into the driveway. There shouldn’t be anything wrong with a quick catch up call on the way home.
But, unfortunately, there is.
Mobile devices have taken over our lives and cell phone addiction is causing breakups.
Digital devices are always on us. They are beeping, ringing, or vibrating – trying to get our attention.
Published in the journal Psychology of Popular Media Culture:
Research suggests that young people feel they cannot live without their device. In this study, results reveal that smartphone dependency is significantly linked to relationship uncertainty and less relationship satisfaction.
It’s so natural to glance at our phone multiple times an hour or send a quick text, even when we’re in the company of others.
Mobile devices are strengthening online relationships but damaging personal relationships.
Couples often complain that their partner spends too much time on their phone.
If you’re like most people, checking your phone way too often, maybe it’s time for a digital detox?
When you’re with your special someone on date night, keep your phone tucked away.
No matter how tempting it may be to reach for your phone to check a text or see who’s calling, think about how you may make the other person feel.
How would you feel if you were with someone who was constantly saying “hold on, just one sec, let me send this text.”
There’s a time and a place to use your digital device and date night is never the right time – unless you’re taking a photo of the two of you.
Remember, you’re not on a date with your phone.
So heads high, smile, and be present for your partner.
Glad you’ve made it to the end of this article. Now stop reading and put your phone away.
References:
Lapierre, M. A., & Lewis, M. N. (2018). Should it stay or should it go now? Smartphones and relational health. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 7(3), 384-398.
Dr. Sara has appeared on multiple radio shows/podcasts, the W Network, Breakfast Television and CP24. For almost 5 years, she worked as the National Spokesperson for a well-known digestive wellness brand, educating across the globe on gut health. Dr. Sara has been named a rising star in Canada receiving the Generation Next award for her outstanding contribution to shaping the future of Canada’s grocery industry. She frequently contributes to large publications and has been published in Best Health Magazine, The Globe and Mail, Sweat Equity, Grocery Business, Inside Fitness, Canadian Living, Elevate, HELLO, and ELLE Canada.
Dr. Sara’s approach to healthcare is not as easy as taking a pill. The “quick-fix” approach is not one she subscribes to. While there’s a pill for just about everything, rarely do prescription drugs stop the course of disease - they merely mask symptoms. Dr. Sara believes true health requires a commitment from both the doctor and the patient.
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