Everyone is glued to their phones 24/7, so it’s no wonder they play a huge part in our relationships.
How you use your phone—and what you do on it—can determine whether or not your marriage stays healthy and your connection with your partner remains strong. Sadly, there are certain behaviours many people are guilty of with their phones can make divorce almost feel inevitable.
1. The bedtime scroll that never ends
Remember when bedtime meant cuddles and pillow talk? Now it’s more like you’re both lying there, faces lit up by blue light, mindlessly scrolling. One partner falls asleep while the other’s still tapping away. It’s not just destroying intimacy – it’s ruining your sleep quality too. Plus, nothing says “I love you” like the glow of a phone screen, right? (Spoiler: it doesn’t.)
2. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner date with your phone
We’ve all been there – you’re sitting across from your spouse, but you’re both lost in your phones. It’s like you’re on a date with your device instead of each other. Meal times used to be for catching up, but now it’s all about catching up on emails or scrolling through social media. Before you know it, you’ve gone a whole meal without making eye contact. Not exactly the recipe for keeping the spark alive, huh?
3. The constant interruptions
You’re in the middle of a conversation, and ding! There goes a notification. Suddenly, your partner’s attention is gone faster than that first pint or glass of wine at the end of a long week. Your words are competing with every app, text, and email. Over time, this can make you feel less important than whatever’s happening on that little screen.
4. The social media overshare
Some folks treat their relationship like a reality TV show, broadcasting every little detail online. Sure, it’s nice to share happy moments, but when your partner’s posting about your arguments or airing dirty laundry? That’s a one-way ticket to Resentment City, population: your marriage.
5. The phantom phone checker
You know the type – they check their phone even when it hasn’t buzzed. It’s like they’re afraid they’ll miss something earth-shattering if they don’t look at their screen every 30 seconds. Meanwhile, they’re definitely missing out on what’s happening right in front of them – like their partner slowly losing their mind.
6. The secret social media life
Having private conversations is normal, but when your partner’s guarding their phone like it’s Fort Knox, it might raise some eyebrows. If they’re jumping every time you walk by while they’re on their phone, or they’ve suddenly got more passwords than a spy agency, it could breed suspicion and trust issues.
7. The compare and despair game
Social media makes it far too easy to play the comparison game. Suddenly, your weeknight takeaway doesn’t measure up to your friend’s fancy homemade meals, and your staycation looks lame next to everyone else’s exotic getaways. This constant comparing can lead to dissatisfaction with your own relationship, even when things are actually pretty good.
8. The digital third wheel
Source: Unsplash Picture this: You’re on a date night, and your partner’s phone is right there on the table, like an uninvited guest. Every buzz or light-up turns their attention away from you. It’s as if you’re in a weird love triangle, and the phone’s winning.
9. The work-life blur
Source: Unsplash Smartphones make it super easy to bring work home – too easy. When your partner’s constantly responding to work emails at all hours, it can feel like their job is the real spouse, and you’re the side piece. There’s a time and place for work, and it’s not during your anniversary dinner.
10. The phone-induced FOMO
Source: Unsplash Thanks to social media, we’re always aware of what everyone else is doing. This can lead to a serious case of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), making your partner restless or dissatisfied with your current plans. Suddenly, your cosy night in feels boring compared to the party they’re seeing on Instagram.
11. The text fight fiasco
Trying to hash out serious issues over text? Big mistake. Huge. Without tone and body language, messages can be misinterpreted faster than you can type “U mad?” Before you know it, a small misunderstanding turns into World War III, all because someone used the wrong emoji.
12. The photo op obsession
It’s great to capture memories, but when your partner’s more focused on getting the perfect shot for social media than actually enjoying the moment with you, it’s a problem. Life’s not a photo shoot, and sometimes the best memories are the ones that don’t make it to Instagram.
13. The app affair
Source: Unsplash From dating apps to chat rooms, there’s a whole digital world out there that can lead to emotional or even physical affairs. If your partner’s getting a little too friendly with someone online, it can be just as damaging as an in-person fling.
14. The constant distraction
At the end of the day, phones are just really good at stealing our attention. When your partner’s always half-listening, half-scrolling, it can make you feel unimportant and unheard. Over time, this lack of presence can create a real disconnect in your relationship.
