This article was published on December 20th, 2017

In the era of Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter, digital communication reigns supreme, even though a lot gets lost or missed in the mix of social media. Often a tool used to connect the world, social media in relationships could be a disaster, if not used correctly. Here is some valuable advice on how to successfully manage your presence on social media, without ruining your relationship.

Keep it separate and private. Your relationship shouldn’t be displayed to the world in the way that social media can be used as your personal soapbox. Do what you want with your own social media, but leave your partner out of it. Take, for example, George and Brad Takei or Colton Haynes and Jeff Leatham: both couples have strong social media presences without getting too personal or dramatic about their spouses.

Serial dating dangers. If you’re one of those people who is in/out of relationships every five minutes, don’t post about it or change your relationship status. No one cares. Wait until you’ve dated someone a long while before going public with any type of announcement over social media.

Keep away from politics and controversial topics. This can be a hard if you are thoroughly involved in the political landscape, but an easy way to start an argument with your partner is by posting or sharing something potentially controversial and the backlash that comes with it.

Don’t over share. It is fantastic that you are working on your body and becoming the best version of you possible, but no one cares that you check into the gym every day at 10pm. You’re fit. We get it. Same thing goes for your meals. It’s food. It does look tasty, yes. But who cares? Stop over sharing.

Stop snapping, boomeranging, and recording every little thing that happens in your life and instead, live it. Not every situation needs to be documented. Take the time to live in the moment verses always trying to share everything that you are doing.

Communicate in real time. The best way to be a human and deal with other people is through direct communication. Social media has become instrumental in keeping people connected, but make sure that connection stays solid as a real connection, versus a virtual one.

Put your damn phone down. If you are serious about preserving your relationship with someone then put away your phone when you are together. Giving your partner undivided attention is extremely important.

Be respectful. Don’t publish photos and comments on your social channels whenever you and your partner have a fight or disagreement. It’s not always going to be rainbows, unicorns, sunshine, and glitter, but use common sense on what’s appropriate to share, and what is not.

Post with permission. If you’re about to post a photo, before you do, check and get consent. The last thing you want is your partner upset at you because you posted a pic that is inappropriate, embarrassing, or doesn’t make the right impression.

Even if you, your partner, or both are social influencers or just on social media non-stop, it’s important to set ground rules and expectations. Just like your live relationship, your digital relationship is all about communication, compromise, and respect.