Balancing Your Facebook

Time is a very limited resource for young couples these days. And with increasing demands on that time, it continues to dwindle. So what about couples who spend countless hours on the internet: surfing the web, Tweeting, or keeping up with their hundreds of Facebook friends? Where do they find the time?

Most times, they don’t. They steal hours from other precious activities to squander on the internet. Facebook and other social networks are high in popularity and becoming more of an issue in marriages. Social media networks (when used improperly) can pose a deadly threat to any marriage.
Not only are they time-consuming, but they also have the capabilities to attract old lovers and introduce new ones. So what is really healthy for married couples when using a social media network? In and of itself, a social media network is a wonderful tool. It’s a way to stay connected with friends and family. It’s a great public relations tool. And a way to gather useful information.  Only when its misused does it cause problems.

We have compiled some rules for a healthy marriage:

• Number 1 is Accountability: Share your password with your spouse. It is unhealthy for couples not to be completely open and honest with one another. It is ungodly to have secret relationships.

• Number 2 is Avoid chatrooms, porn sites, and dating sites.

• Number 3 Agree with your spouse the amount of total time that you will spend on the internet. Do not exceed that amount. Honor God and your spouse by being a good steward of your time. Don’t allow your time on the internet to surpass the amount of time you spend in prayer and study of the Word.

• Number 4 Don’t accept a friend request that makes your spouse feel uncomfortable. When you took your vows, you agreed to forsake all others and cleave to your spouse. So be considerate of his/her feelings. You don’t need any relationship in your life that will bring contention to your union. It’s not that serious.

• Number 5 What happens in your house, should stay in your house. Before social networks, we kept our business, our business. Why do people now feel comfortable posting their private business in their statuses for the entire social media community to see? Talk directly to your spouse. Don’t fight in public.

Spend all that extra time getting to know your spouse. Dust off your date night and start building memories with the one you pledged your life to. Always, always do what is in the best interest of the marriage.

Upgrade Your Date

Tonight is our date night. And we were trying to think of something to do. We often result to the familiar, especially when we're tired. Many couples either do not keep up with their date night or like us, they get stuck in a rut. The most common ruts are going to dinner and/or the movies. Or staying in and renting a movie. It’s time to break out of the monotony. Do something different. Try something you’ve never done before; something exciting and adventurous. It will bless your relationship.

Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Plan a candlelight bath

Go to a carnival or amusement park (no kids in tow)

Plan an indoor picnic

Fly a kite

Go cart racing

Adult Game Night (make it interesting)

Go rock climbing

Go canoeing or paddle boating

Take dance lessons

Go bike riding

Fly out of town for the weekend

Go to an ethnic restaurant (that you never tried before)

Ride a motorcycle

Give each other a massage (with oils, candles, and music)

We are planning something very interesting for tonight. Hope that you are too.