Do you overshare relationship details on Facebook?

With the continual rise in popularity of social networks like Facebook and Twitter, we’re now used to seeing the intimate details of our friends’, families’ and acquaintances’ personal lives on a daily basis. But some social commentators suggest that over sharing this type of information is not only an annoyance, but a threat to relationships.

One click of a mouse and Facebook users can share the big milestones in life, such as getting married, having a baby, or breaking up with someone, with their entire friend list.

But with  the average user sharing these updates with  130 ‘friends’ on Facebook, ranging from family to work colleagues to total strangers met on a night out, how much personal information should we  be comfortable displaying on social networks?

Just updating your relationship status can lead to stress. There can be misunderstandings if one partner doesn’t feel comfortable listing the relationship because they want to keep it private, whereas the other sees it as an insult if they don’t. You might also find a public record of all your relationships can be distressing for your current partner. Posting constant digital displays of affection may even annoy your partner, as well as your other Facebook friends.

Tips for relationships and Facebook:

• Don’t immediately take it as a rejection if your partner doesn’t want to list your relationship status. They probably want to keep it private. If you find it bothers you, talk to them about it.
• Don’t publicly argue on Facebook. It can be tempting to leave an angry message if your partner has posted on their ex’s wall, but you could very well have misunderstood something, so talk to your partner first. What’s more, angry, dramatic Facebook posts will just make you seem childish, not to mention irritate your Facebook friends.
• Don’t share personal details or secrets about your partner on Facebook that are potentially embarrassing. Respect your partner’s right to privacy.
• Try not to spend too much time posting and commenting on your partner’s wall. Look for a balance that shows you are interested but not a stalker.
• If your relationship is going through a rough patch, consider taking a break from Facebook by deactivating your account. This stops the temptation of arguing or obsessively posting on your partner’s wall. You can reactivate after you have dealt with your problems.

See our other tips for dealing with Facebook and jealousy here.

Do you have your relationship status listed on Facebook? Do you ever post digital displays of affection on your partner’s wall? Would you ever post personal details about your partner online, even as a joke? Or do you refuse to put your relationship details on Facebook?