Certified Marriage Counsellor On How Excessive Screen Time Is Destroying Your Relationship
Certified Marriage Counsellor @ The Holistic Living aims to emphasize the impact of excessive screen time on relationships, warning couples to set their priorities straight. The article covers the real-life story of a couple who realized that they were more committed to their devices than to each other. Read the entire article to understand how this seemingly harmless habit can lead to greater harm to your relationship.
Quality time spent with your partner is the cornerstone of a healthy and thriving relationship. It’s during these moments that you connect, communicate, and build the bonds that keep your love alive. However, in today’s digital age, excessive screen time has become a silent relationship killer. The pervasive use of phones, TVs, and other screens can take away much-needed quality time, pushing couples apart.
Let’s explore this issue through a real-life example of a couple who found themselves drifting apart from each other. After consulting a certified marriage counsellor they came to the brink of realizing they were more connected to their devices than to each other.
The Importance of Quality Time
Quality time is essential in any relationship because it fosters emotional intimacy, strengthens the connection between partners, and allows for open communication. When couples spend meaningful time together, they learn about each other’s interests, dreams, and concerns, thus deepening their bond. In contrast, when this time is eroded by excessive screen use, couples may find themselves feeling disconnected and unfulfilled.
The Sunday Night Wake-Up Call
Meet Sarah and David, a seemingly happy couple residing in California who, like many of us, had fallen into the screen time trap. One Sunday night, as they sat down for dinner, they realized something was amiss. Their usual lively conversations had been replaced by an uncomfortable silence. The meal that once served as an opportunity to catch up on each other’s lives had turned into a mundane routine.
After dinner, Sarah and David retreated to their respective corners of the living room, each engrossed in their smartphones. An unsaid tension hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. They spent the rest of the evening scrolling through social media, texting friends, and watching TV, barely acknowledging each other’s presence.
The Awakening
Two days later, during a candid conversation, Sarah and David confessed to one another that something was not quite right with their marriage. They both felt distant and disconnected, even though they were physically together. This realization was a wake-up call for them. They decided to seek help from a certified marriage counsellor to salvage their relationship.
Marriage Counseling: Unplugging from Screens
During their counseling sessions, Sarah and David uncovered a startling truth – they had become more married to their phones than to each other. The excessive screen time had driven a wedge between them, leaving little room for meaningful interaction. The certified marriage counselor helped them identify the detrimental effects of their screen addiction on their relationship.
- Lack of Communication: Sarah and David had stopped talking about their dreams, fears, and aspirations. Instead, their conversations revolved around Netflix shows, social media updates, and work emails.
- Emotional Distance: With their attention constantly diverted by screens, they had grown emotionally distant. They could no longer connect on a deep level, and their intimacy had dwindled.
- Neglected Quality Time: Talking to a certified marriage counsellor they realized that their once-cherished moments together had been usurped by screen activities. They had forgotten how to enjoy each other’s company without distractions.
- Prioritizing Screens Over Each Other: Sarah and David had started to prioritize their devices over their partner’s needs. Checking their phones took precedence over cuddling or having a heart-to-heart conversation.
Talk To A Certified Marriage Counsellor Today
The Road to Recovery
Realizing the destructive impact of excessive screen time on their relationship, Sarah and David decided to make some changes. They implemented strategies suggested by their certified marriage counsellor. For instance, they decided to set screen-free hours during their evenings and weekends. They dedicated time to engage in activities they both enjoyed, such as hiking and cooking together. They also committed to putting their phones away during meals and conversations.
Over time, their efforts paid off. They began to rebuild their emotional connection and rediscover the joy of spending quality time together. Their relationship started to flourish once more, stronger and more resilient than before.
Conclusion
Excessive screen time can indeed destroy your relationship if left unchecked. Sarah and David’s story serves as a stark reminder of how screens can silently infiltrate our lives, eroding the bonds we hold dear. To protect your relationship, it’s crucial to prioritize quality time with your partner. Remember, the moments you share offline are the ones that will ultimately define the strength and longevity of your relationship. So, put down that phone, turn off the TV, and reconnect with the person who matters most in your life.
Talk To A Certified Marriage Counsellor Today. Marriage Counselling offers a safe space for both partners to openly share their feelings, concerns, and expectations. The unconditional support and unbiased listening provided by the certified marriage counsellor help the couples to navigate their issues and build better understanding and conflict resolution skills.
