Before I started this blog, I really didn’t spend a lot of time on social media.

But now that I’m working on this blog and trying to grow my audience, I’ve spent quite a bit of time (probably much more than I should’ve) on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter, trying to build a social media presence.

I’d like to think that I’m beginning to develop a healthy rhythm in with my social media life, but in reality, I know it’s a work in progress. I spent the most time on Instagram, because that’s currently where I get the most traffic to my blog.

What I didn’t realize at first was how much my time on social media was affecting Seth. One day last week, I came home with a long to do list for teaching and for my blog. I spent most of my night in front of a screen. That night, Seth admitted to me, “Sometimes when you’re on your phone, I feel like I’m talking to a wall.”

Seth wasn’t trying to make me feel guilty, and he wasn’t trying to upset me. He’s a very open communicator (which I love, because that’s definitely a weakness for me), and he just wanted to tell me how he felt.

But I felt so guilty, because I knew he was right. Seth may love and support my blog, but he loves me more, and he deserves to see a lot more of me than my followers on social media.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” But if two are together, and they are not really present with each other, how can they see if the other falls down?

To really love someone, you have to be present. Jesus was present with those he loved during his time on earth, and he is present with us always. Love requires presence. Right then, I knew some things had to change.

Your relationships with family members, friends, and significant others shouldn’t be harmed by your screen time. But sometimes they are, and sometimes we don’t even realize it.

Here are five resolutions you can make today to save your relationship from social media and other screen time.

1. Put your phone down during ALL conversations.

This should be common sense, but we’re in a new age where we feel lost without our phones. I’ve sat in rooms where every person had their phone in front of their face, and it’s not a good feeling.

Put your phone down when you’re in a conversation. Period.

2. Give yourself a 24-hour break from social media at least once a month.

Or even better, unplug for an entire weekend! I did this two weekends ago, mostly because we were going away and didn’t have cell service, but it was so lovely.

You remember how beautiful God’s creation is when you are able to look up and look out for your entertainment, instead of looking down at a screen.

3. Take photos that are just for you, and not for your Instagram page.

I like to have some photos of Seth and of the two of us that are just for me and him to share together. Not every beautiful moment that you want to capture and save needs to be shared with the world.

4. Avoid comparing your relationship with other relationships on social media.

The comparison game is a dangerous one. When you compare yourself or your relationship with others, feelings of jealousy and inadequacy can quickly creep into your life.

If you feel yourself comparing, turn off your phone and spend some time with your loved one. Reconnecting with the gifts God has given you can work wonders.

5. Establish daily routines and limitations.

This is what I’m working on now. I want to limit myself to checking social media once in the morning and once in the evening, and then resist checking it multiple times throughout the day. It can easily become addictive, because when you’re getting lots of likes and comments on your photos, it feels good. You feel likeable.

But remember… your worth doesn’t come from social media. Your worth doesn’t come from the world. Your worth is found in Christ, and in Christ alone.

And remember… you are onederfully created in Him.

Love,
Becca