to the YourTango newsletter!

Continue to Site »»

ProConnect

Facebook Doesn't Ruin Relationships, People Do.

By . Posted on .

facebook
The "like" button on Facebook may not be the root of your relationship problems...
Facebook doesn't cause problems in a relationship; it brings to light problems that already exist.

I often hear people say, "Facebook ruins relationships." And I must admit, I absolutely loved that the last guy I dated didn't have an account. But Facebook doesn't ruin relationships. Neither do strip clubs, porn, or online dating sites. People ruin relationships.

While Facebook gives us an easy, casual way to get in touch with people, it doesn't make our choices for us. We need to take responsibility for our actions. We still decide what defines cheating in our relationships, and whether or not we will cross that line. We still decide how much attention we should pay to other people, and how much attention we are comfortable receiving. When I hear people blame Facebook, strip clubs, or anything else for the problems in their marriage, it reminds me of what is (in my opinion) one of the worst personality flaws: the inability to admit the truth. 3 Mistakes Women Make When They Suspect Cheating

More from YourTango: 5 Ways Online Dating Is Like Looking For A Job

If your goal is to brush things under the rug and pretend everything in your relationship is fine, then by all means stay off Facebook. Cancel girls' night out. Stay away from any bachelor parties. Monitor each other's internet use, and check each other's phone. You know, just in case.

But if your goal is to have a solid, healthy relationship, one that is based on trust and commitment, recognize that any fears you have about Facebook in your relationship are deeper issues that should be worked through in counseling.

I've heard several people say that infidelity in their marriages ultimately served to strengthen the marriage. Clearly it was not the act of infidelity that improved the relationship, but the resulting attention paid to the relationship after the affair. Rather than wait or hope your fears never materialize, confront these fears early on. In a healthy relationship, you won't have to spend your time worrying about what your partner will do. And you won't worry that you'll be tempted to stray, either. You'll trust each other. You'll trust yourself.

Facebook is not the problem. Figure out what is, and work through it together.

And don't forget to click the little button to "like" this article on Facebook.

More from YourTango: Love SEO: 3 Expert Ways To Optimize Your Online Dating Search

Rebecca A. Marquis is the author of How to Be a Good Boyfriend: 34 ways to keep her from getting annoying, jealous, or crazy. amzn.com/145632411X

More Juicy Content On YourTango:

Article contributed by
Advanced Member

Rebecca A. Marquis

Author

Rebecca A. Marquis is the author of How to Be a Good Boyfriend: 34 ways to keep her from getting annoying, jealous, or crazy.

Location: New York, NY
Credentials: PhD
Specialties: Dating/Being Single Support
Other Articles/News by Rebecca A. Marquis:

5 Important Tips For Online Dating Success

By

1. Use good pictures. There are thousands of people on these sites, and there is going to be someone similar to you who has better pictures. And he is going to get the woman you want. If you want to meet good people, you need to have good pictures. It’s that simple. Your photos need to be clear and recent. Your dark, artsy photos are great as a ... Read more

My Love/Hate Relationship with HBO's 'Girls'

By

I can’t stop thinking about this last episode of GIRLS, the Season 2 finale in which everyone ends up happy. Adam rescues Hannah. Charlie takes back a crazy Marnie. Shoshana finds a new hot blonde to enjoy. And, of course, Jessa is off “living it up, wearing a crop top.” It reminds me of how I felt when I first listened to One Direction music ... Read more

5 Questions NOT To Ask Her On A First Date

By

I’m often surprised by the questions guys ask me on a first date. Some questions are too personal, and some questions seem to better fit a census than a date. To begin to get to know her without making her feel judged or surveyed, ask her about things she likes. Ask her how she likes to spend her time, and talk more about your common interests. But be ... Read more

See More

Recent Expert Posts
Smothering

Solving ADD to Autism at Home

How to use a "cheaper" alternate to Neurofeedback with non-drug therapies that work at home.

Liquor

Why Doesn’t He Like Me Back? 18 Reasons and Solutions

Learn the 18 most common reasons for why a guy doesn't like you back and how to deal with them.

Shocked

Perks of Being A Voyeur

Sex and intimacy doesn’t necessarily require participation. And that's ok!

Ask The Experts

Have a dating or relationship question?
Visit Ask YourTango and let our experts and community answer.

Resources
How to find the right pro for you
10 Reasons Mental Health Pros Should Join YourTango Experts

10 Reasons Mental Health Pros Should Join YourTango Experts

YourTango Experts can help your business go from good to great.

10 Steps To Improve Your Coaching Business

Take your coaching business from mediocre to great in no time…

Frequently Asked Questions About YourTango Experts

Thinking of joining? Here's all the facts you need to know to make the most of your membership.

Getting Your Guy To Join You In A Therapy Or Coaching Session

So how can your get your strong, self-reliant, superman to talk to an Expert with you?

Therapist/Counselors: Who We Are & What We Do

What exactly does a therapist/counselor do and can they really help?

See more resources>
HOT STUFF!
FROM OUR PARTNERS