“The best thing to hold onto life is each other”
Relationship is a beautiful gift to be cherished forever. It should be planted with love and be cared for throughout with nutrients like care, trust, understanding and the most important of all – communication. Good communication plays an essential role in building healthy relationships and it not only helps to convey the message, but also makes one feel connected to their partner.
The Role of Communication in Modern Relationships
Communication is more than just words; it is the bedrock of building a healthy relationship. When you are able to communicate openly and honestly, understanding, intimacy, and mutual growth will follow.
Lately, social media has been affecting relationships tremendously and taking cell phones to the bed can be the worst thing one can ever do. Going to the bed at night is the time when the partners need to relax and have conversations regarding how their day went, discussing some important plans/events, etc. but when either partner is with phone in their hands, he/she tends to be distracted leading to missing important details in the conversation or simply just annoying the other person. The “we” time just loses its meaning leading to fights and arguments. Another factor that affects the relationship is when a person starts comparing their lives to those seen on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, which might feel pleasing to look at but may not always be true.
How to Foster Healthy Digital-Real Life Integration?
In this digital era, where everything is a message, you should make a conscious effort to be fully present during conversations. Keep devices away, allowing your undivided attention to deepen your connection. Here are some ways to foster healthy digital to real life integration:
- Designated Tech-Free Times: It is important to establish periods where you put aside your phones, tablets, and other digital devices. Bedtime is a sacred space for authentic conversations. Spend time with your partner rediscovering the joy of sharing thoughts and dreams.
- Mindful Social Media Use: In this digital era, social media has become an imperative part of our day to day. But you must approach social media with caution. We often forget that the online world is mostly a highlight reel, and not the whole story. Focus on appreciating your own journey rather than making comparisons.
- Quality Over Quantity: Face-to-face interactions are key to building healthier relationships. It’s best to engage in activities that strengthen your connection, whether it’s cooking together, going for a walk, or simply sharing laughter.
- Open Dialogue: Create dialogues with your partner and set digital boundaries. When you spend time to establish guidelines for device, you are able to explore ways to make technology an ally rather than an obstacle in your relationship.
Studies prove that the mere presence of a cellphone when two people are talking, interferes with feelings of closeness, connection and communication. If devices constantly interfere with your conversations, it undermines your ability to connect with others. You miss the flicker of emotion in your child’s eye, the look of exasperation in your partner, or the attempt of a friend to share something meaningful with you. Although, social media is meant to connect us, but in reality, it acts as a barrier.
At C.S. Counselling & Consulting Services, we specialize in private couples’ and individual counselling addressing thoughts and how they affect your mood, coping skills and mental well-being, depression, anxiety, alcohol, and substance abuse, and navigating daily life with a healthy sense of self. We see both call-in and referral clients by appointment and offer services from RSW-registered professionals. At C.S. Counselling & Consulting Services it is our goal to work with you and/or your loved one to provide clarity while developing skills to cope during an otherwise stressful and challenging time.
