The 21st Century has brought about wonderful changes in technology, but created a “hot mess” in terms of relationships. Unfortunately, I have seen an influx in the number of pseudo-relationships and a decrease in real relationships. One form of pseudo-relationship that has sprung into prominence is text-message relationships. These are relationships that the majority of the conversations are conducted through texting on an electronic device.
If you are in these type relationships, you are what we called “pen pals” back in the 80’s and early 90’s. What you are really doing is sending each other messages from a distance and waiting patiently for the other person to respond. Unfortunately, this method does not effectively build healthy relationships and there are potential consequences. For instance, sometimes a person can misinterpret what their significant other writes and this could lead to major issues in the relationship; but if the same statement was said verbally, there would be no problems.
If you are serious about building a solid relationship, you must stop pressing the key pad and start using the phone receiver to talk verbally. If you even wanted to take the communication in your relationship to another level, you should put down the phone and meet in-person with your significant other so you can have proper communication that involves verbal and non-verbal communication.
Technology may have made it a lot easier to communicate, but everything that is easy is not always beneficial. In conclusion, do not SETTLE and deprive your relationship of one of the necessary tools needed to be successful…proper communication. This is your opportunity to move from pen pals to companions!
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