Facebook Rules for Relationships | Marla Ahlgrimm

It isn’t just tweens and teens that broadcast every minute of their days to their social media feeds. Marla Ahlgrimm says women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and even 50s use social media sites multiple times per day. And while this level of connectivity has brought the world together in many ways, it can also ruin a relationship. Here, Ahlgrimm covers a few Facebook faux pas to avoid if you want to save face with your partner.

The premature status change.

It’s common knowledge that making a relationship “Facebook official” is a big step. However, Marla Ahlgrimm asserts that declaring your status online before your off-line relationship has had a chance to grow may send your potential partner on another path.

Mindlessly feed browsing.

There are only so many times you can look through your Facebook feed before you become a screen time zombie. Marla Ahlgrimm suggests setting a limit, especially if you’re with your partner, and focusing on face time instead of Facebook.

Posting in anger.

Venting your frustrations with your partner on social media outlets doesn’t hold the same sacred silence you get with your girlfriends over a glass of wine on Friday night. Facebook is an open book and one that Marla Ahlgrimm says is best left unwritten while menacing thoughts linger. Even if you immediately delete an angry rant, screenshots last forever and there’s no way to know if your loose tongue will make it back to your partner.

Accepting the ex’s friend request.

It’s one thing to be friends with your kindergarten crush online or to maintain a social media connection with an ex-husband with whom you have children. However, Marla Ahlgrimm cautions against instigating a friendship with an old flame, especially if you feel a spark reignite every time he posts a new picture.