Modern love has created quite the conundrum. Gone are the days of daily handwritten letters and date nights in solitude. Instead, we have been dealt a hand of Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat. Let’s face it, we are in the age of technology — the best and most challenging era assignment. This complicates our courtship and really bothers the hopeless romantics.
There is no changing the trajectory of contemporary intimacy, but there is a strategy that can maintain romance … even when notifications fill the room.
Just Go With the Flow
Let’s work with what we have. Does your boo thing spend hours scrolling through explore on Instagram? Every once in awhile, post a picture of the two of you. Make sure to include the appropriate hashtags, (i.e. #boothing #crazyinlove #MCM). Make sure this isn’t overdone, or it will make the post less significant. This is obviously a piece of advice that you won’t find coming from your grandmother’s lips, but it is a sure way to make anyone blush.
Another modern way to say, “I love you,” is scheduling FaceTime dates in the middle of the day. Sometimes entertaining colleagues during your lunch break is even more draining than staying at your desk. Sneak away for a few minutes, see your babe’s face, and return to work filled with serotonin and dopamine.
Back in the day, saying, “Good morning,” meant meeting your significant other for breakfast or making a phone call to their house that might be intercepted by someone who shared the line. Annoying, right? Let’s be thankful that we can pick up our cell and text a good morning in privacy. Maybe even send over a voice memo. No need to be nervous of seeming clingy, a good morning text is always welcomed. We promise, you aren’t crazy.
As If It Needs to Be Mentioned
As cool as it is that dreamy gestures have transformed as technology advances, sometimes it is necessary to ditch the gadgets and have some one-on-one time. We cannot forget our romantic roots. Here are some oldies, but goodies, to ensure authentic quality time.
When you are out with your significant other, ditch the phones! A simple problem Millennials have is allowing a phone to be present at the table during dinner, essentially inviting friends to date night. This is toxic! Don’t do it! Your friend Molly can wait, and Liz will have no idea you haven’t seen her Snapchat feed. Promise to each other that the phones will remain in the car. A phone lighting up with notifications kills the mood, ya know!
If you are lucky enough to wake up next to your significant other, take some time in the morning to cuddle and talk before you are forced to tackle the day. Some quality coffee time is a sure way to get the oxytocin pumpin’. Your coworkers will want to know why you are so dang happy in the morning.
Nothing screams, “I love you!” like a handwritten note. Slip it in their pocket before they get dressed in the morning. Hide it in their laptop case. Have it waiting in their windshield wiper. Whatever the delivery method may be, the response will always be the same — a huge grin and a partner who knows they are loved. There is no need for a laptop in this scenario!
Love will respond to any stimulus that is genuine. So, whether it be an Instagram post or a vase with tulips and marigolds, your other half will know they are loved. Moral of the story? Utilize technology for your favor, and keep your phone away from date night.
By Emily Simpson | Contributor
