Social media has a tremendous impact on our daily lives. The Pew Research Center reports that 7 out of 10 people use social media in one way or another. The question I care about as a matchmaker is: how does social media impact your dating life?
Digital First Impressions
In 2018, a date’s first impression of you may very well be your Facebook or Instagram account. This means that if you want to set the right tone for a date, your social media accounts should be an accurate reflection of how you look, and what you like. If you have any social media profiles which are old and outdated, be sure to either update them or delete them. This holds especially true for your “Relationship Status!” Double check that your dating status on social media matches your current situation. Someone who sees “It’s Complicated” isn’t likely to go searching for more info!
Managing [Great] Expectations
So: you’ve been on a couple dates, and you’re now following one another on social media platforms. Great! Just be careful to jump to any conclusions. If you see content that doesn’t quite gel with how you perceive this new person in your life, remember that people are complex. It’s important to not let any one tidbit from social media affect your overall view of a person too deeply. If the relationship evolves, these idiosyncrasies may reveal themselves to be totally innocent, and part of a much better whole.
How Social Media Fits into Your Relationship
Our goal at Meaningful Connections is to provide clients with introductions that can lead to deep, rewarding relationships. Because social media is so integral to our individual lives, it can play an equally large role in our relationships. Last year the New York Times dedicated an entire piece to the subject, focusing on practical advice for couples. Online flirting, snooping into your partner’s profiles, and similar behaviors can only hurt you in the long wrong. When it comes to social media, honesty is the name of the game. If activity on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other platform causes insecurity or friction, you and your partner should talk about it openly. Like any other problem, couples can resolve misunderstandings about social media through clear and direct communication.
Final Thoughts
Social media provides us with incredible powerful tools for sharing information and forging connections. It’s so ingratiated in our daily lives that it can have a presence in our dating and love lives – but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing! Keep the above advice in mind when you’re meeting new people, testing the waters, and navigating online behavior with your boyfriend or girlfriend.
Most importantly, if you feel far away from where you’d like to be in your love life, there are professionals here to help! Contact us today to discuss your future.