HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP: LOVE IN THE TIME OF SCREENS

Introduction

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – Lao-Tzu. 

“Love in the Time of Screens” refers to the modern-day challenge of building and maintaining healthy relationships in a world dominated by digital communication and social media. With technology shaping the way we interact and connect with others, it’s essential to prioritize communication, trust, and respect in our relationships. Building and maintaining a healthy relationship in the digital age requires a new level of intention and awareness.

What Is A Relationship?

A relationship is a connection or association between two or more individuals or entities. In human interactions, a relationship typically refers to a connection between two people, whether romantic, platonic, familial, or professional [1].

Relationships involve various factors, including emotional bonds, shared experiences, communication, trust, and mutual respect. Multiple emotions, including love, friendship, intimacy, and commitment, can characterize relationships.

Relationships can take many forms and can vary significantly. Some are casual and short-term, while others are long-term and involve significant emotional investment. Communications, mutual understanding, and trust are crucial for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling connection.

What Are The Different Types Of Relationships?

There are several types of relationships, including [2]:

1. Romantic relationships are relationships between two people who are attracted to each other and share romantic feelings and intimacy.
2. Platonic relationships are non-romantic relationships between two people who share a strong bond based on mutual interests, values, or experiences.
3. Familial relationships: All family members, such as parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, fall under this category.
4. Professional relationships: These are between colleagues, co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates in a workplace or business setting.
5. Casual relationships: These non-committed relationships are usually short-term and involve little emotional investment.
6. Online relationships: These are relationships that are formed and maintained primarily through online communication, such as social media, messaging, or video chat.
7. Long-distance relationships are between people who live far apart and cannot see each other frequently.
8. Open relationships: These are relationships in which both partners agree to engage in romantic or sexual relationships with other people while still maintaining their primary relationship.

It’s worth noting that relationships can overlap or change over time, and individuals may have different relationships with other people.

What Are The Benefits Of Having A Good & Healthy Relationship?

A good and healthy relationship can bring many benefits, including [3]:

1. Emotional support: In a healthy relationship, both parties can provide each other with emotional support and encouragement during challenging times, leading to improved mental health and well-being.
2. Increased happiness: A healthy relationship can bring joy and fulfillment to both individuals as they share experiences, create memories, and build a life together.
3. Improved communication skills: Good communication is vital to a healthy relationship. By communicating effectively with each other, both individuals can enhance their communication skills, leading to better relationships with others in all areas of life.
4. Enhanced sense of security: In a healthy relationship, both parties can feel secure knowing they have a committed partner and who they can rely on.
5. Improved physical health: Studies have shown that individuals in healthy relationships have lower rates of stress, depression, and anxiety, which can lead to enhanced physical fitness and a longer lifespan.
6. Increased personal growth: A healthy relationship can provide opportunities for personal growth as individuals learn from each other, try new things, and support each other’s goals and aspirations.

Differences Between Healthy And Unhealthy Relationships

Relationships are complex and cannot be easily categorized as “healthy” or “unhealthy.” Additionally, some unhealthy dynamics may be subtle or difficult to identify. Therefore, knowing some fundamental differences can be helpful [4]:

What Is The Importance Of Communication In A Relationship?

Communication is essential in any relationship, as it is the primary way people connect, share their thoughts and feelings, and build trust and understanding. In a relationship, effective communication enables both partners to express their needs, desires, and concerns in a way that is respectful and non-judgmental. It helps to prevent misunderstandings and promotes mutual respect and empathy.

Good communication skills also help couples to navigate challenges and conflicts constructively and healthily. When open and honest communication, partners can work together to find solutions to problems, rather than letting disagreements escalate into arguments or resentment.

Moreover, effective communication in a relationship can help build a more profound sense of connection and intimacy. It allows individuals to share their hopes, fears, and dreams, creating a sense of emotional closeness and trust [5].

Tips To Build And Maintain A Healthy Relationship In This Digital Age

Building and maintaining healthy relationships is essential to our mental health. Here are some tips for making and maintaining a healthy relationship in the digital age [6]:

• Set boundaries for technology use: Agree on limits for your time on devices or social media to ensure it doesn’t interfere with your relationship.
• Prioritize face-to-face communication: Make time for in-person conversations and activities to build intimacy and connection.
• Practice active listening: Listen to your partner and express empathy and understanding when communicating digitally.
• Avoid oversharing on social media: Be mindful of what you post online and avoid sharing private or intimate details of your relationship.
• Trust and transparency: Be honest and transparent in your digital communication and avoid hiding anything from your partner.
• Celebrate special moments: Use digital technology to share moments with your partner, such as sending thoughtful messages or videos.
• Seek professional help if needed: If you’re having trouble navigating the challenges of building a healthy relationship in the digital age, seek a professional therapist or counselor.

Conclusion

Building and maintaining a healthy relationship in the digital age requires intentional effort and awareness. By setting boundaries, scheduling video calls, practicing active listening, and being transparent, couples can navigate the challenges of technology and build stronger connections. By following these tips, teams can maintain healthy relationships during screens.

References

[1] “6 Basic Types Of Romantic Relationships & How To Define Yours | mindbodygreen,” 6 Basic Types Of Romantic Relationships & How To Define Yours | mindbodygreen. 

[2] “6 Different Types of Relationships You May Find Yourself In,” Verywell Mind, Sep. 21, 2022. 

[3] N. Medicine, “5 Benefits of Healthy Relationships,” Northwestern Medicine, Sep. 01, 2021. 

[4] “Characteristics of Healthy & Unhealthy Relationships | Youth.gov,” Characteristics of Healthy & Unhealthy Relationships | Youth.gov

[5] “Relationships and communication,” Relationships and communication – Better Health Channel. 

[6] “How to Build and Maintain Healthy Relationships in the Digital Age? | Times of Bennett,” Times of Bennett.