Prior to entering a serious relationship, I utilized various social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, amongst others. While I did not frequently engage with these sites, I did enjoy sharing images occasionally or keeping up with my best friend's romantic interests. At that time, I did not perceive any issue with my social media use. However, my perspective changed once I began a committed relationship, and subsequently, I made the decision to discontinue my social media presence. Here's why:
1. I Didn't Want My Past To Haunt Me
Have you ever taken a stroll down memory lane by browsing through your past Facebook posts or tweets? Or maybe even checked out your profile picture from the year 2008? In my case, you would only come across a series of inebriated tweets that I found amusing at the time and an unflattering selfie of myself alongside my adolescent, acne-ridden high school partner — certainly not something I would want my current, mature and serious partner to stumble upon.
2. I Didn't Want Any Surprise Messages
I am unsure if this happens to you as well, but my ex-boyfriends have a peculiar fondness for sliding into my direct messages. While I appreciate the gesture, I am uninterested in rekindling past relationships. To circumvent any unpleasant exchanges or my current boyfriend stumbling upon something that may cause doubt or distress, I have opted to not place myself in such a predicament.
3. I Didn't Want To See Other Girls Posting On My Boyfriend's Page
Certain individuals exhibit a lack of boundaries and disregard for other people's relationships. Despite it not being my partner's fault, the sight of unfamiliar girls liking or commenting on his social media content would undoubtedly upset me. To prevent any unwarranted arguments, I have chosen to eliminate the possibility of such encounters altogether.
4. Social Media Is Full Of Unrealistic Expectations
Social media platforms like Instagram are brimming with content showcasing lavish vacations, frequent excursions, extravagant shopping sprees, and seemingly flawless relationships. While these images may appear captivating, they do not reflect the realities of my life. However, this does not imply that my relationship is anything less than spectacular; it just possesses a distinct character compared to the curated content displayed on social media, and there is no rationale for feeling envious.
5. I Didn't Want To Be Glued To My Phone
The allure of social media is compelling. Regardless of the frequency of usage, the desire to return persists. I was adamant about avoiding the perception of being someone who is perpetually attached to their phone. When spending time with my partner, my aim is to be fully engaged in the present moment without any interruptions.
6. People Like To Give Their Unwanted Opinions
Curiously, social media is perceived by some as an appropriate platform for dispensing unsolicited opinions and unhelpful advice. In lieu of having to peruse through spiteful comments or irrelevant contributions from relatives such as my grandmother, I resolved that if someone possessed a truly vital matter to communicate, they could contact me through a direct message, phone call or text message.
7. I Didn't Want Our Relationship To Be Defined By Social Media
Do you recall the era of middle school and high school when a relationship was not considered legitimate unless it was formally declared on Facebook? That notion is not appealing to me. I am not interested in the prospect of my relationship being scrutinized based on the quantity of images I post on Instagram or the frequency of tweets I compose regarding his affectionate gestures. Although I take great pleasure in boasting about his virtues, I prefer to express my fondness for him outside of the realm of social media.
8. It Was Right For Us
Following a candid discussion with my significant other regarding social media, we arrived at a mutual agreement that eliminating it from our lives would be beneficial for our relationship. It appeared to be the most logical choice for us. Now, we no longer encounter superfluous arguments regarding the presence of unfamiliar individuals on our respective social media pages, nor do we worry about being contacted by former flames. Our decision to abstain from social media has had a positive impact on our relationship, and we relish in it.
