how to navigate facebook while dating
By Sujeiry Gonzalez, Author of Love Trips: A Collection of Relationship Stumbles
When Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook, he probably didn't think he'd change the face of dating forever. His goal was to help us connect. Facebook would allow us to communicate effortlessly. Well, sir, you have accomplished your goal! Unfortunately, in his pursuit for constant contact, he has also opened the door to men who want to poke and women who take photographs in front of bathroom mirrors. Now, with just a touch of our keypads, we can get a date... or a stalker!
So, lets take a step back and take note of what is appropriate Facebook behavior.
5 Facebook Tips When Dating
1. Hide Your Facebook Relationship Status: If you are in an unstable relationship or in the initial stages of dating, why not hide your Facebook relationship status? There is nothing more embarrassing than going from 'Single' to 'In a Relationship' and back to 'Single' in less than four months.
Related: 4 Tips for Dealing with Your Ex and Social Media
2. Facebook Stalking Is Not Your Friend: We've all been guilty of it. Heck, even I've perused a man's profile one too many times. It drives us crazy. We want to know why she liked your status update or why she always comments on your photos. To be safe and remain sane, step away from his photo albums and refrain from checking his Facebook profile on an hourly basis.
3. If He's Seen You Naked, Maybe He Shouldn't Be Your "Friend": I have a strict policy when it comes to exes. Once it's over, it's over and I rather they stay away. Once you've seen me naked, you probably still want to see me naked. So, what's to say that if we have a history you wouldn't stalk me on Facebook or worse, poke me?! Take it from me, ladies. Ignore the friend requests from your exes. It makes dating someone new less complicated.
4. Do Not Have An Entire Relationship on Facebook Chat: If your main source of communication is Facebook chat, then, Roger, we have a problem! I've mentioned why it is important for a man to call a woman, rather than text. Same principal applies for Facebook chat. It's a great tool to use once and awhile, like when at work or on the go, but when a man is interested he really should spend time with you and speak with you over the phone.
Related: 5 Ways Social Media Can Help Your Relationship
5. Keep The Arguing Away from Your Profiles: What's more embarrassing than changing your relationship status a hundred times in four months? Arguing with a man you are dating via Facebook! I can't recall how many threads I've read where a couple has insulted one another and virtually screamed their heads off. Be smart and keep the fighting (and making up) offline.
If you follow these simple rules, you should survive the complications that arise when dating and utilizing social media. Use Facebook as Zuckerman meant it to be - for social networking and nothing more.
More from GalTime:
- Why Younger Women Date Older Men
- 5 Telltale Signs It's Time to Break Up
- The Independent Woman: Do We Need a Do-Over?
- Chatting or Cheating? How to Tell
Sujeiry Gonzalez is the “Latina Carrie Bradshaw” with a little more sass, a lot more Bacardi and a ton of laughs. Previously a dating blogger for Latina.com, this funny and vibrant relationship (non)expert is currently the New York Modern Love Examiner for Examiner.com. She has been featured on the PIX Morning News and La Mega (97.9FM) and has rocked the single gal relationship market since 2006. Sujeiry recently published Love Trips: A Collection of Relationship Stumbles, the ultimate what-not-to-do relationship book as it chronicles her failed relationships and attempts at love.
