Is it even possible to imagine a relationship that is not defined by Instagram likes, Facebook popularity, constant contact through iMessage, and long-distance FaceTime calls? Imagine not being able to tell your significant other about what you’re doing all hours of the day? Is waiting to update your boyfriend or girlfriend of your plans even a remote possibility? If we consider this question honestly, the sad but extremely true answer is simple: no.
Modern technology has certainly made relationships easier due to the fact that you can always text or call your significant other, regardless of time and place. Or you can post a “TBT” picture on Instagram, or tag a boyfriend or girlfriend in a post on Facebook to remind them -- and, naturally, all of your friends and family -- that your relationship is still going strong.
Unfortunately, these same technologies have also created an undisputed dependency on constant contact and social media popularity that helps to define contemporary relationships. In the past, during the time when our parents were going through the same trials and tribulations of dating, they didn’t have the ease of carrying around an iPhone that allows us to keep up with the other half of our relationship.
They had access to a large, clunky computer and maybe a home phone with limited hours to call, absolutely no technology to send a message in an instant, and lacking the apps that offered ways to showcase your relationship online.
When I asked my mom how she managed to sustain this ongoing relationship with my dad without access to any modern-day electronics, her answer was short, sweet, and very sad in the fact that most relationships lack this today. She said all that was needed was trust. She trusted my dad when he said that he loved her, when he promised to call as soon as he could, or when he told her his plans for the day (or for a few days, since she said they might go days without being able to contact each other).
She relied on his word, and that’s all she needed to keep the faith in their relationship.
She also didn’t need to brag to others about what she was doing when she was with my dad. She didn’t have to post a Snapchat of the beach they swam in, or the dinner they shared, or the party they attended together at college. Their love was strong enough to be kept to themselves, rather than having to receive public acknowledgment of their fun memories made together.
Back when these social media indulgences were not readily available, relationships were built on trust in one another, confidence in the love that was shared between two partners, and a sense of trusting vulnerability that would (hopefully) pay off in the end.
As time goes on, and as technology continues to progress, it's worth wondering if maybe relationships -- and the trust they're built on -- will regress in a similar way.
