Dos and Don’ts of Mixing Love and Technology


DO give technology as a gift, but not for a romantic occasion. Note! If you need to charge it up, plug it in or program it, it probably doesn’t make for a good (read: romantic) anniversary present.

DON’T email or browse the net while talking to or on the phone with the other person. You may think you’re a multi-tasking queen (or king), but it’s distracting for both of you and it makes it seem like you only half-care about what he’s talking about.

DON’T bring up important topics in a medium that your partner is uncomfortable with. (Don’t text him that you’re going to miss dinner if he’s a bad texter. Don’t IM him that you’re mad at him if he prefers to hear your voice.)

DO have a discussion with your partner about what technologies are okay for big discussions. (IM can be a great way to talk about emotional topics, for example, since you have time to formulate your thoughts before typing and you’re less likely to blurt something out in anger.)

DO refrain from using emoticons and/or tech lingo (eg. LOL, ROTFL), if it annoys your partner.

DO put away your Blackberry or phone on important occasions—like when you have a rare date night without the kids—and ask your partner to do the same.

DO keep tech snobbery to a minimum: “Fine, I’ll do it, that brick of yours doesn’t even have a video camera.”

DO at least try to figure something out before asking him or her to teach you a second time.

DO bring tech to bed—for recreation only! No work.

DO use texting at parties to let your partner that you want to go.

DO make every other Twitter about your partner … or Demi Moore.

Related stories from YourTango

Is Technology Ruining Your Relationship?
Fifteen Relationship Mistakes We Wish We’d Stop Making
Love in 2012: What The Future Holds

6 readers liked this story.
From Around the Web:
07.17.2009
hardgainer002
When we think of this, it can really happen like that...funny isn't it??
It feels good to write.

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