Think of the ‘typical influencer’. They post pictures of their conventionally attractive partner, cute dog and perfect house because it’s what their audience want to see. But has the way in which we use social media changed the way we live in our relationships?
Now much of our lives seem to revolve around getting the perfect snap to post on social media, it seems hard to know where to draw the line between posting because we want and posting because society tells us to.
Relationship and couple pictures are no different.
My partner told me: “I was thinking of posting a picture of you for your birthday”; I asked him why; and he said, “Because that’s what people do”.
While the importance you place on posting couples photos on social media comes down to your own relationship, everyone these days seems to do it and so you are bound to feel a tiny bit left out if your partner doesn’t want to post pictures of the two of you. However, for me, it isn’t make-or-break that my partner doesn’t want to post these things!
On one side of the argument, many people post their lives on social media. Whether that be documenting nights out, family holidays or celebrations, I’m sure that on most Instagram pages you can find a picture of all of these things. If you enjoy posting your life on social media, and part of your life is your significant other, then why would you not post them, too? And if your SO does post other areas of what could be considered their ‘private life’, and choose not to post you – it definitely makes you feel as though you aren’t wanted.
I feel as though there are other ways to seek reassurance from your partner, such as building on your relationship together, rather than posting online.
Although, I do feel though that photos should not have to be posted in order to feel love and reassurance. Besides, if you’re only posting because you know it’s what your partner would want – while this is rather sweet of you – you’re most certainly doing it for the wrong reasons! I feel as though there are other ways to seek reassurance from your partner, such as building on your relationship together, rather than posting online.
Of course, it’s understandable if you want to show off your partner to friends and family; and allow them to keep up-to-date with what you do. It’s a whole lot easier to post a couple of pictures than it is to send a bunch of messages or FaceTime a hand full of people!
Bearing this in mind, it is therefore important for both parties to communicate about boundaries surrounding social media
In light of this, it is also understandable that people may wish to keep their privately lives to themselves and not share much on social media for various reasons. Bearing this in mind, it is therefore important for both parties to communicate about boundaries surrounding social media, as well as other aspects of the relationship. Obviously, it is important to always respect your partners boundaries: if they don’t want to post pictures of you on social media, you should respect that.
It is clear to see that posting couples photos on social media is really doing to the preferences of the couple; therefore some may see it as more important than others.
Something important to remember, mind you, is to live in the moment. Not everything needs to be documented through taking pictures!
