When we imagine a world without cellphones or tablets, we picture a scene from The Day After Tomorrow—an apocalyptic wasteland full of utter chaos. OK, maybe that's a bit extreme, but as lost as we'd be without Google maps, think about all the drama we'd avoid if we unplugged ourselves more, especially in our romantic lives? Here are a few telltale signs that all that technology is sabotaging your chance at love.
1. You Waste Time Checking in on Old Flames and Potential Love Interests.
Nothing good can ever come from scrolling through your ex's recent photos from Rome (OMG, who is that he's tagged with?!). The same goes for a potential date—you know that heart-stopping moment when you accidently "like" a photo or "favorite" a tweet while you're hovering over their page. It's all very dramatic...and unnecessary.
2. You Spend More Time with Your Phone Than Your Partner.
Do you refresh Twitter more times a day than you talk to your significant other? Bad news: Recent research shows that super-active Twitter users are more likely to have conflicts with their partners about it. You know, like that time you were too busy tweeting about your dinner to actually enjoy date night. And get this: One in five people have checked their cell phones during sex. Come on, your phone's not going to spoon you at night.
3. You're Constantly Worried Your Nude Selfies Will Go Viral.
I mean, this is legitimate concern, because how secure can your cell really be? (Just check out this anti-sexting ad for a terrifying dose of reality.) Plus, people can totally take screenshots from Snapchats. But if this is causing you serious stress, it's probably time to lay off the sexting.
4. You Occasionally Become Technologically Clingy.
I texted you at 8:43 a.m. this morning, and now it's noon—why haven't you answered? I know you saw it because it says "Read" underneath. Are you mad at me? Are you alive? Should I call 911? HELLO?! (The same applies for all messages sent via OkCupid).
5. You stretch the truth online.
Aside from sexting lies (come on, you know you're guilty), it's just plain easier to lie via text or email. And let's face it, acne and cellulite pretty much disappear with the right Instagram filter. These may seem silly, but they still add up to not being completely honest in a relationship.
6. Planning a Date Takes FOR-EV-ER.
A simple, "what do you want to eat for dinner?" turns into a daylong text fest of back-and-forth nonsense. Then you spend a solid hour (minimum) on Yelp judging a restaurant by its stars (only three? Ew). Eventually you order takeout because you didn't realize you needed a reservation, and now they're booked up. Womp.
7. Your Facebook Gives You FOMO.
When did everyone start getting engaged? And married? And starting families? And am I the only one who didn't get roses this Valentine’s Day? Seeing these Facebook posts clog your newsfeed is plenty of fodder for you to second guess your own relationship status (taken or single). If it's getting to you, it might be time to take a break from social media.
8. You Spend Hours Deciphering Texts
Seriously, there should be a Google Translator for texts that only consist of "hey," "sup," ";)," "whatever," or any text with emojis. You could be dating for a year and still overthink the tone of a message—even if it's just a lowercase "k." (Also, can we just all agree to not send that? It's a waste of text, and it always makes you seem annoyed.)
9. You Obsess Over Which Form of Social Media is Appropriate at Which Dating Stage.
Great first date... now what? Should I wait for them to text me? Should I wait an hour to text them? WAIT, they just texted me. When can I add them on Facebook? Or follow them on Instagram or Twitter? Or add them to my Google+ circle? Don't even get me started on when to change your relationship status or incorporate them into your profile picture. Ugh, this is hard.
If you checked off more than a few of these, slowly step away from your phone or computer and find some human interaction—kidding! To be fair, technology doesn't always kill relationships. Lots of people find The One on dating websites, and there are plenty of ways that technology can boost your love life (hello, Skype sex!). Just make sure you're logging more face time with an actual person instead of a screen.
all GIFs via giphy.com
More from Women's Health:
The Weird Sign Your Partner's More Likely to Cheat
How to Send a Flirty Text
The One Time You Shouldn't Text Your Partner
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