CRUSHES

We all love checking in our crush on Instagram and seeing what they've posted on their Snapchat story. Sometimes, social media is how we seal the deal with the guy or girl of our dreams. Whether you slid into her DMs or he sent you a snap to compliment your good hair day, we have all used it one way or another. But here's the thing: Social media can have some pretty negative impacts on our happily ever after. The trick is to find a balance. Here are some tips to follow if you feel that social media—and the virtual world in general—is controlling your relationship. 

Don't compare. It's easy to get caught up in the #couplegoals posts on Twitter and think about why your relationship isn't as magical. Every relationship looks perfect on the surface, but it's important to remember social media rarely shows reality. Everyone is different and if your current bae makes you happy, that's all that matters.

Don't follow your exes. Keeping up with your ex, even if it's just simply following them on Instagram, can give your new dude or lady the wrong idea. It can cause many problems in your relationship (jealousy, really) that all could have been avoided by clicking the unfollow button. If you are truly over your ex, it's time to let go and move on with your relationship. 

Talk to your BF or GF. Before both of you celebrate your new relationship all over social media, talk to each other and find out what you are comfortable with posting. Set some boundaries for each other about what you are willing to share. This will help both of you avoid drama in the future. 

Don't sweat the small stuff. Together, you and your girl are likely connected to hundreds of people through social media. So, try not to overanalyze a conversation between your bae and someone else on Twitter. Before you assume the worst, ask her about it to get the whole story.  Trust is one of the most important things in a relationship, so it's important to trust her first before you form your own conclusions. 

Keep private things private. We know it's extremely tempting to show off your new cutie with a post and watch the likes come flooding in. Honestly, it's natural to want to show the world how happy your person makes you, but it becomes unhealthy when you are only worried about impressing other people. It's nice to have those special moments to stay between you, not you two and all of your Facebook friends. 

Take a break. Stepping back from social media for a little while can't hurt. Whether it's a couple of hours or a whole week, you will return to social media refreshed after spending some quality time with your guy.  

Think of any other ways to control social media in a relationship? Let us know in the comments below! 

by Leah V. | 8/2/2018