Facebook Relationship Stages
A few tips on how to ease through the stages of a relationship on Facebook.
You’ve found someone special, and you want everyone to know about it, so you’ve chosen to Facebook it. But, be aware that timing is crucial. Don’t freak out your date by changing your relationship status to “in a relationship” after the first date or make them feel unimportant by not even announcing your engagement. Read on for a few tips on how to ease through the stages of a relationship on Facebook.
Stage 1: Become Facebook Friends
If your first date was out of this world, you may be tempted to immediately send a friend request, but first make sure your date is on the same page. Bring up something you saw on Facebook and ask them if they’re on there and see where that leads. If they seem interested, “friend” them. If not, let them make the first “online move.” If they absolutely hated the date, they’re not going to be interested in your Facebook feed or being cyber stalked by you.
Stage 2: Communicate With Each Other (Privately)
If you were Facebook friends previous to your first date, you may want to send them a short message (not a wall post) and thank them for the first date. If you sent the friend request after the first date, let them make the next “Facebook move.” Don’t let Facebook messages replace phone calls and don’t write wall posts until you have “announced” your relationship on Facebook. Chances are you have some mutual friends, and you’d hate to let the cat out of the bag before the other is ready.
Stage 3: Change Your Relationship Status
This is definitely one you should talk about with your “other half.” Everyone’s definition of “in a relationship” is different and maybe the guy you think you’re exclusive with is still dating other people. This can obviously be awkward. Once you are definitely exclusive, decide together whether you want the whole Facebook world to know it. After you change that status, you’ll get loads of questions from friends. Are you ready for that? For the easiest route, wait until you are engaged to change your relationship status.
Stage 4: Communicate With Each Other (Openly)
Once you’ve both agreed that the Facebook world can know you’re dating, you can open up your Facebook communication to wall posts. But honestly, keep it to a minimum. No one else needs to read your confessions of undying love for one another.
Stage 5: Post Photos and Videos
Once that status is changed, friends will beg for photos. Before posting any photos, clear them with your boyfriend or girlfriend. Some people prefer not to have millions of pictures of them floating all over Facebook, especially if they are particularly embarrassing.
Stage 6: Update Your Status
You don’t need to include all the mushy details, but it’s fun for friends to get updates on your relationship and wedding plans. Throw out a couple “HELP!” status updates for honeymoon tips, help with wedding plans or advice on buying the ring. When updating your status, remember that you’ve got single friends too who may not appreciate a news feed full of you bragging about your perfect life.
Stage 7: Friend their Friends
If you’ve gone on double dates or hung out with some of his/her friends that you really connected with, go ahead and friend them after talking with your other half about it. You might want to stick to friends of your gender, just to be safe.
Stage 8: Announce the Wedding
Facebook is a great way to collect addresses from friends with whom you’ve lost contact. If you’re on a budget, skip collecting addresses and just create a page, event or group and invite some of your friends to the wedding or reception that way. However, this should obviously not be your only form of wedding invitation.
Every stage of a relationship is exciting, and it’s fun to share each stage with your friends on Facebook, but make sure you make the right “online moves” at the right time so you don’t create conflict and awkwardness in your relationship.
About the Author: Karen Thompson is a freelance writer who loves writing about love, relationships and weddings. She currently is interested in tungsten wedding rings and tungsten carbide rings. Other than writing, her favorite activities are surfing and hiking.