What ignoring Social Media did to my marriage

I quit social media for a month. It had some unexpected consequences and delightful rewards.

Consequences:

We didn't know what was going on. When I stopped checking facebook, instagram, twitter and snapchat, I lost communication with several hundreds of people. I suddenly realized that I missed my online friends. Some of our mutual marriage friends didn't even realize that we were silent online. I also realized who some of my real friends really were too.

We realized that we missed capturing daily moments through pictures and sharing in real time. Life slowed down a bit which was great for Maurice, but less adventurous for me. I actually like a faster pace of life.

Rewards:

We used the phone more and sent cards. My real friends actually missed me before 31 days were up. Deaths, weddings and funerals happened and instead of sending a post, we sent cards.

Those closest to us also reached out "just because". Real friends don't need a reason.

We had so much more time to spend together uninterrupted by the dings and vibrations of notifications. We had longer conversations as well. Imagine that!

We had more sex. Enough said.

We sent more texts to each other instead of other people. Maybe it was filling the gap that social media had left, but we definitely increased communication digitally and in person.


So obviously, the benefits of fasting from social media outweighed the consequences in our marriage. Maybe you should give it a try. Life does go on online without you, and your spouse may thank you in more ways than one!


Comments

  1. UnknownApril 22, 2018 at 4:21 AM

    It is always a good idea to take a step back, bravo for sending cards and reconnecting verbally with people. I tried to do this on a regular basis, however I don’t know if I could go 31 days.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Walking TogetherApril 22, 2018 at 5:49 AM

      I wasn't sure about a month-long break either, but I did it and it was worth it 😊

      Delete
  2. RachelApril 22, 2018 at 5:46 PM

    I need to do a social media cleanse like this!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Walking TogetherApril 24, 2018 at 2:13 PM

      If we do it for our bodies, doesn't hurt to do it for our minds I guess 😊

      Delete
  3. UnknownApril 24, 2018 at 4:57 AM

    I really need to do this! I’m on social media way too much and it can really become overwhelming!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Walking TogetherApril 24, 2018 at 2:14 PM

      Yeah. I found myself engrossed in such very unimportant things. No one has time to waste really.

      Delete
  4. CherishingFloApril 25, 2018 at 5:55 PM

    You had me at more sex I won’t lie, but this is such a great experiment! I may actually try this!

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownApril 25, 2018 at 10:10 PM

    Some people definitely need to step away from social media. Luckily my hubby doesn't use it at all and I use it mostly for work or to stay in touch with family since leaving the UK. From the get go I turned off all notifications that go to my phone, I found it sooooooooooo irritating to get beeps so frequently, so now the only time I know about anything is when I'm on my computer, which is fine because that's when I'm working. I love that you ended up connecting more to your husband, that is so important.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Walking TogetherApril 26, 2018 at 1:57 AM

      I think that unfortunately, relationships with those closest to you suffer the most when we get addicted to social media. It's a crazy thought to lose touch with the person closest to you when you haven't gone anywhere!

      Delete
  6. Traditional MomApril 26, 2018 at 6:25 AM

    It's hard to find a social media balance sometimes. Taking a break is nice. Before we had home internet, we spent lots of time together instead of together on our devices.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Walking TogetherApril 26, 2018 at 4:50 PM

      Right. Quality time has been redefined for sure! Thanks for reading.

      Delete
  7. Evelyn Lo ForemanApril 26, 2018 at 12:14 PM

    I love a social media fast. It may just be the perfect thing for us all. I do remember life without social media - or email for that matter!! (okay, I'm dating myself =). Its a good thing my dear. Hope you do it again soon! =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Walking TogetherApril 26, 2018 at 4:51 PM

      There is definitely life beyong the screen. Lol!! Thanks for stopping by.

      Delete
  8. AnonymousApril 27, 2018 at 1:58 PM

    We all need a break from time to time. It's important from time to time. 👍😊

    ReplyDelete
  9. UnknownMay 15, 2018 at 5:04 PM

    Yes agreed, I also need a break from Social Media for some days to spend some quality time. Thanks for sharing your experience. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Walking TogetherMay 23, 2018 at 4:51 AM

    You are very welcome! Thanks for reading 😊

    ReplyDelete

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