How to Have Tech-Free Evenings With Your Partner?

Courtesy Pexels Photo By: Katerina Holmes

Using technology in your relationship can have a positive affect and a negative affect depending on the type of relationship you have. However, if you have a long-distance relationship, technology can help you feel connected with each other. Also, it can help you strengthen your relationship. It is necessary to follow technology etiquette when you are using it for your digital communication and for your emotional bonding. Yet, it is important to communicate verbally and to check-in with your partner. 

It is also necessary to know your partner’s boundaries and not to do too many check-ins with your partner especially if your partner gets irritated or angry. Additionally, be alert to changes in your relationship because sometimes technology, stress, and other situations can interfere with your relationship. Technology distractions, jealousy, trust, miscommunication, spending less time together, and not focusing on strengthening the relationship between both of you. Furthermore, having meals with the cellphone in front of both of you can also damage your communication. This can make one partner feel uncomfortable, awkward, and not valued in the relationship because of the constant cellphone usage during dinners.

Regardless of the type of relationship you might have with your partner, it is necessary to have Tech-free evenings with your partner and improve communication between you and your partner. Begin by discussing each other’s boundaries and your circumstances for using your cellphone during your dates or other activities you do with your partner. It is important to understand your partner especially if they have a tough time expressing themselves verbally. Practice mindfulness when you are communicating with your partner as well as respecting each other’s privacy when it comes to cellphone usage. Understanding your partner’s tech etiquette and your tech etiquette while making an agreement with technology usage. 

Make three or five rules when using your cellphone, tablet, computer, or other technology gadgets. Use technology with positivity and not let it interfere with your relationship. Keep in mind that some rules for technology usage might not work with all relationships and it is best to inform your partner about tech etiquette in a kind manner. Always discuss what makes you feel uncomfortable, what makes you feel unhappy, and what makes you feel unacknowledged in the relationship. It is best to discuss these things in private, in person, or on a telephone call when you are not at work. 

Encourage your partner. Do not send too many text messages, emails, or telephone calls when your partner is at work. Also, do not make your partner feel jealous because of your social media following or other social media postings that you might have online. Another tip is to have a positive mindset when it comes to using technology. Here are rules that you might want to use for your relationship. 

1. Avoid using your cellphone, tablet, or computer before bedtime. 
2. Do answer text messages or telephone calls, especially if it is an emergency from a family member or a friend. 
3. Set a schedule to send text messages, emails, and cellphone calls without interrupting your dinner with your partner. 
4. Set the Do not Disturb or Bedtime Mode on your cellphone or let it ring or accept texts from contacts only at night. 
5. Do not browse the internet before bedtime. 
6. Set aside some time to relax with your partner by reading, walking, meaningful conversations, yoga, or other activities without using technology. 
7. Do not answer your cellphone during your dinner unless it is an emergency telephone call from someone that you know. 
8. Ask permission from your partner before posting a personal picture of both of you. 
9. Do not share confidential information with your partner, especially if you are at work. 
10. Consult with a professional therapist to help both of you manage your technology usage, especially if it interferes with your relationship. 

Last, add more rules and keep the rules simple so you can remember them. Write down the rules, frame it, or take a picture or a screenshot of your tech etiquette rules. Excuse yourself if you need to answer the cellphone during your dinner. Do not make assumptions or have expectations of changing your partner’s technology usage. Here are websites with cellphone etiquette for couples. 

3 Tech & Cell Phone Rules for Married Couples-iMOM:

3 Tech & Cell Phone Rules for Married Couples-iMOM

Love and Gadgets: Tech Etiquette for Couples-She Knows:

Love and Gadgets: Tech Etiquette for Couples-She Knows

Put That Down! 5 Tips on Tech Etiquette for Couples-Family Today:

Put That Down! 5 Tips on Tech Etiquette for Couples-Family Today

* Courtesy Pexels Photo By: Katerina Holmes