It's safe to say that in our ever-changing society, the concept of a relationship has, for the most part, been maintained. The image of the “couple” is a constant image in the minds of people everywhere.
Even when it seems as though we are too monopolized by our smartphones and computers, we are able to recognize the existence and importance of a loving relationship. That being said, how do we deal with the not-so-pretty aspects of relationships in the digital age? Just how much has modern technology altered the more personal and private struggles of relationships?
One particular phrase comes to mind when I think of relationship struggles. It is one that we’ve heard time and time again, whether it be printed in a Nicholas Sparks novel, or repeated for ten seasons of the television series "Friends". It is the oh-so-commonplace “we should go on a break.” The concept of going on a break actually meant something once. But now in the age of constant connection and communication it is almost impossible to consider a “break” as what it once was.
We never saw Ross and Rachel sending each other the panged “I miss you” text, nor did watch them scroll hopelessly through each others social media accounts. Nowadays, the time spent apart (which was historically reserved for relationship breaks) seems to be utterly lost. If the entire point of being on a break from someone is to figure out what we, as individuals want away from our significant others, then why do we insist on keeping in contact with them?
The answer is simple: It is harder than ever to ignore the people we love, even when we need to. Breaks may lead us to feel anguish in the cores of our bodies, or sadness in the depths of our hearts, but if a break is necessary for the health of a relationship then it must be done. That being said, how do breaks work in a world of modern technology?
The answer to this question is just as simple: They don't.
In the digital age breaks aren't truly "breaks." We have unlimited access to everyone's whereabouts and daily interactions. Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have made it impossible to consider a life without the people we're on breaks with because they are always right in front of us, within reach, glaring back through our smartphones.
In the past, the mere thought of garnering up the courage to hear our significant other's voice on the phone was enough to hold steadfast to break rules of "no communication." Now, we have nothing to lose; no embarrassing awkward silence, no muffled tears, just the minute risk of an unanswered text.
The "I miss you" text is possibly the most detrimental aspect of any relationship's break. This act opens up the possibility of conversation and emotional attraction that will undoubtedly blur the lines of time spent apart. Are we truly apart if we constantly text one another about the standing of the relationship?
The fundamental purpose of a break becomes destroyed with the ability to interact without physically being next to one another. While technology has made it easier for us to communicate, it has made things more difficult for the existence and functionality of relationship "breaks."
