As society and technology continue to evolve, so do our relationships. What’s considered healthy in a relationship now, may not have been a decade ago. From communication methods to dynamics, everything is changing. So, with that in mind, let’s take a deeper look at how modern relationships are evolving.
Increase in Communication
Thanks to social media and instant messaging, staying in touch has never been easier. But when it comes to relationships, this is both a blessing and a curse.
On the one hand, couples have a variety of communication tools at their fingertips which make expressing their feelings and needs or resolving conflict easy. On the other hand, being in contact all day everyday leaves many couples with nothing left to talk about when spending quality time together, which can create a feeling of disconnect or boredom.
Emotional Intelligence as a Requirement
Emotional intelligence has become a bit of a buzzword in recent years, and people are beginning to prioritise this when it comes to choosing a significant other. Being self-aware and having the ability to manage feelings and conflict is a highly desirable trait in a partner and this is creating stronger, more resilient relationships.
The Rise of Polyamory
Manogamy isn’t for everyone and that’s becoming increasingly apparent in modern-day partnerships. Open or polyamorous relationships are on the rise as people are now more willing to consider bringing additional people into the relationship, or allowing each other to explore other connections simultaneously.
And it’s not just about people’s openness to the idea that’s contributing to the increase in these dynamics. Because of platforms like tinder or even gay chat lines, it’s easier than ever to connect with like-minded people, giving individuals more opportunities to explore polyamory.
Privacy Conflicts
Most people nowadays have a social media account and while this is often harmless, for some couples, it can be a source of friction. If one individual within the relationship is highly private and the other is more open and outgoing, it can be difficult for couples to find a middle ground when it comes to sharing their relationship online. Setting boundaries and having open and honest communications about privacy has become critical.
Relationships Will Continue to Transform
There’s no doubt that in a few years time, the ‘typical’ relationship model could look entirely different. New challenges and opportunities will arise that will shape the way we view relationships and it will be interesting to see how that unfolds.