6 Ways To Show Your Boyfriend Some Extra Love (Through Social Media)
Use social media for good. He’ll love you for it.
getty Social media is getting a bad rap. It's blamed for self-esteem issues, attention deficit, addiction, infidelity, and more. Unless you've consciously decided to stay off these apps in revolt, you're probably on a least a few such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, or Pinterest — in addition to whatever messaging app you've got.
Some people believe social media and relationships are a bad mix and might even be to blame for their breakup or relationship problems.
Sure, spending hours trolling Instagram or Twitter is a bad habit that will certainly take time away from spending it with your sweetheart. And looking up and messaging your old boyfriends on Facebook will amount to no good. Perhaps worse — comparing yourself to others online can make you feel insecure, low, and maybe even a little lost. This does nothing for your situation, not to mention the unintended effects this type of social media use can have on your relationship.
Some studies, including this UK one, even say that 1/3 of all divorces are related to one partner's social media use. The negative impacts of social media on marriage may be due to one partner spending too much time on it or sending "inappropriate" messages that open the doors to infidelity.
While it makes sense to protect your love from the hazards of social media by encouraging transparency and putting healthy boundaries on usage, you don't have to let the negative aspects of social media get you or your relationship down. There are lots of equally positive ways that social media can enhance your life and your relationships.
I believe that like attracts like. If you put out negative social media posts, more will come your way. However, if you surround yourself with positivity online — and promote it yourself — positivity will be contagious.
Social media has the power to connect us. And, when used properly, it can bring you closer to your boyfriend and strengthen your relationship, too.
Here are 6 ways you can use social media to enhance your relationship and show your boyfriend some extra love:
1. Encourage him.
Words of affirmation can mean a lot. Wish him well before a job interview or a big meeting. Post an inspirational quote. Tweet an event that he is going to.
It will give him a last-minute boost of confidence. He'll love knowing someone is always in his corner.
2. Support his interests.
Support his passions and back his causes. Retweet an article that you think he’d like or email it to him privately. Follow and like his business page. Send him an Eventbrite event you think he'd like to attend.
Love what he does, at least some of the time. If he's into stock trading or soccer, show him you're willing to learn about them by following related social media pages, and he'll applaud you for it.
3. Make him laugh.
The couple that laughs together stays together. Be the girl he has fun with — even online.
Laughter is the best medicine when someone's feeling down, and it will help to create a healthy bond with your guy, too. Post a hilarious video you found on YouTube when you sense that he could use a pick-me-up.
Or text him a picture of the two of you cracking up over something. It will cause him to reminisce, and remind him that you'll be there for the hard times and the fun times. And he'll appreciate that you know how to make a good time great!
4. Celebrate him.
Sending your man adorable posts on his birthday can make his day. You want him to feel extra special, don't you? When my partner had to work late on his birthday, and we couldn't celebrate in person, I sent him one birthday GIF per hour. At first, he thought, "What the heck is she doing?" but I know he really loved the attention I was giving him.
5. Get him in the mood.
To make a relationship thrive, you need to keep things fun and fresh. And there is nothing like a mid-afternoon private message to get your boyfriend primed for a hot date. Tell him you think he's handsome — or hot and that you can’t wait to see him, and he will be very enthusiastic to see you.
Don't forget, guys are visual creatures, so a flirty photo or sexy image (whatever makes you feel comfortable and maintains your self-respect) can show him that extra bit of love.
6. Show him your appreciation.
If you appreciate him, show him on social media, too! Message him about the everyday things he does for you, like "Thanks for fixing my toilet" and send him a funny GIF to go along with it. Or show him your admiration with "I love it when you…" or "I'm so proud of what you accomplished."
On Facebook, share a generic yet touching post about great boyfriends, or create your own and tell the world how grateful you are and how much he means to you.
One caveat: some partners are intensely private, and they don't want their relationship plastered on social media. You must know what's right for them. You don't need grand gestures to show your partner how you feel. Start small and gauge your boyfriend's reaction. If you get it right, your guy will be over the moon with your acts of affection.
Instead of using social media in ways that could harm your relationship, use it for good. Go ahead and share your encouraging and appreciative words, photos, and images with your boyfriend. Show him this some extra love that will strengthen your connection and create new memories together – one text, one tweet, one post at a time!
Lisa Petsinis is a certified life coach who works with people who want to have healthier relationships with themselves and others. Connect with Lisa on her website to set up a free Relationship Rescue Call or sign up for her newsletter to get more of her advice.