19 Jun How “No-Tech Tuesdays” Improved My Marriage
How “No-Tech Tuesdays” Improved My Marriage
Technology. It makes like so much easier in today’s fast-paced world. Smartphones, instant messaging and endless notifications keep us connected to everyone and everything around us. In fact, many of you reading this might not even remember a time before all this wonderful tech. Well, back in my day, cell phones were more a luxury used for emergency calls than actual scrolling the web. (Sorry it’s the closest thing I have to a “walking five miles in the snow” story).
While tech can keep us informed, entertained, and productive, it can also act as a barrier to meaningful human connection. This can be true in relationships, when the constant pull of those screens can create distance from the ones we love the most. I’m so guilty of this to the point where I realized that my wife would often feel neglected because I wasn’t receiving the entirety of our conversations.
That is how we began our “No-Tech Tuesdays.” The rule is simple: when we get home, we stay away from screens, including TV and phones. Since implementing this routine, I find myself spending less time with the rest of the week. So, let’s talk about those benefits of taking those tech breaks!
- Being Present
For all its benefits, technology can be so distracting! Whether it’s a buzz from your phone or the lure of checking your social media accounts, these small interruptions can derail your attention and prevent you from being fully present with your partner. If you are constantly looking at your phone while trying to have a conversation, your spouse can often feel neglected and unimportant.
Since implementing “No-Tech Tuesdays,” I’ve found myself spending less time in general on my phone. As a result, my partner and I are having more enriching conversations. Just imagine no distractions and being able to focus entirely on the conversation at hand. The result is a much deeper emotional connection.
- Meaningful Shared Experiences
We think that if we spend a lot of time together, then our relationship will be stronger. Well, the truth of the matter is that the quality of the time is also key. Don’t get me wrong, my partner and I love watching a movie together or bingeing our favorite show. However, we have been implementing time spent with no technology, and let me tell you, it’s the “Bee’s knees.” Playing board games, going on walks, and taking drives together have been so wonderful for enhancing our precious time together!
Recently, my wife and I have started taking drives with the focus on areas of town we’ve never explored. Just yesterday, we discovered a park we never knew existed, as well as found some awesome murals as backgrounds for photo shoots. So much fun! Not only did this add to our collection of new experiences, but we found that it made the day feel longer!
- Reigniting Intimacy
Intimacy isn’t just about the physical (although I quite enjoy that part of it too), but it’s also about emotional vulnerability and connection. When we are constantly deep diving into technology, we can often create a barrier with our partners. Whether it’s doom scrolling or going through our endless emails, tech can make us away from that present moment and the wonderful person who’s right there.
When you disconnect from technology, you create space for emotional intimacy. You can reconnect on a deeper level, share personal experiences, and listen actively without the interference of outside distractions. This helps foster trust and affection, key components of a strong, lasting relationship.
Conclusion: Quality Connections
Technology is wonderful, but sometimes the best way to foster deeper connections is by stepping away. By removing those distractions and focusing on each other, you create deeper bonds, better intimacy, and hopefully create some truly beautiful memories. It’s not about rejecting technology entirely but about making sure that your relationship remains the priority, which is best nurtured through meaningful, undistracted moments together. So, next time you feel pulled by the lure of your phone or computer, remember: the best connection you can make is with the person sitting right beside you.
Joel Getter, LPC-S
Joel Getter is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern State University. He currently enjoys working with individuals and families of all ages. He believes in empowering others to be the best versions of themselves in a non-judgmental and supportive environment. Joel’s experience has primarily focused on children, adolescents, and their parents working to connect emotions and thoughts, improve communication skills, and develop skills for impulse control. He has worked extensively in office and school-based settings with his clients and their families with anger management, anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD, and overcoming challenges with neurodivergent populations.
Joel is trained in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). He is a certified provider of AutPlay Therapy, a play therapy approach designed to address the mental health needs of neurodivergent children and their families. Joel is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and finds it successful with many of his clients who feel stuck. He also has extensive training in play therapy and is currently working towards becoming a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). Joel is a personable therapist who can meet with clients of any age and build rapport quickly to help them meet their goals.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.