How Facebook Could be Bad for Your Marriage

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

19 Feb 2009 07:10 AM

Facebook can be a great networking tool to keep in touch with current friends and re-establish contact with old ones. But there are several ways that Facebook could actually be bad for your marriage. Here are some examples.

You Spend Too Much Time on It

Facebook can be addicting. There are so many messages, status updates, photos, videos, games, quizzes and applications (what is a sea garden anyway?) to occupy your time. But if you would rather stay up with Facebook instead of go to bed with your spouse, it might be a problem.

You Air Your Grievances

It is amazing to me how many people slam their spouses in their status updates, as well as some of the things that they write on their spouses "wall." Not only may your spouse see this, but so might all of your mutual friends. Not good.

You Make Your Spouse Jealous

You know that your flirting is innocent, but maybe your spouse is feeling insecure. Perhaps it is time to honor your spouse's feelings by keeping things cool with members of the opposite sex or even blocking inappropriate people. Keep things out in the open too, and there will be no need for your spouse to become jealous. Indicate in you profile that you are married to avoid unwanted attention from the opposite sex.

You Have an Affair

Affairs, emotional or physical, are easier than you might think to fall into. Facebook makes it a breeze to communicate with old loves and new friends. If you are discussing your problems online instead of with your spouse, this may be a developing problem. One sure sign that you could be headed down this road is that you hide your Facebook screen when your spouse enters the room (and you aren't planning a surprise party).

Are you on Facebook?

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

Related Articles:

Building a Hedge Around Your Marriage

What is an Affair?

Overcoming a Crisis in Marriage

How to Ask for More Sex from Your Husband

Don't Fall in Love with Potential

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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Dale Harcombe (10321) 19 Feb 2009 05:01 PM

Helpful points, Mary Ann.

mrmnmom82 (3365) 20 Feb 2009 12:34 AM

my husband and I avoid these by sharing the membership. When ever I comment on a friends page I allways specify that it's me, not hubby.

Mary Ann Romans (26876) 20 Feb 2009 01:29 PM

Hey that is a good way to do it, Mrmnmom!

TheHeavenlyHusband (30) 21 Feb 2009 06:05 PM

You are right. It is important to budget our time just like with finances. Of course you need "Me" time, but that should not be something you take, instead it should be something your spouse gives.

Mary Ann Romans (26876) 22 Feb 2009 05:59 PM

Me time is definitely important, too. Thanks for mentioning that.

kellithemom (5) 16 Oct 2009 03:50 PM

Great points Mary Ann! My husband wrote 2 articles on the pros and cons of Facebook and Marriage. "Is Facebook a Cyber-threat to Your Marriage," and "How Facebook Can Improve Your Marriage." Check them out at http://www.marriagejunkie.com Would love your feedback!