The 15 Official Rules for Facebook and Relationships
1. Keep The Past Hidden: With social networks, we tend to over-flaunt relationships with others and when beginning a new one, it's best to delete photos albums featuring old flames to prevent jealousy and move on from the past.
2. Clean Up Your Image: We all have those photos where an innocent party really looks unprofessional to the naked eye. To present a clear image for your new relationship, spend an afternoon deleting/cleaning up your Facebook profile.
3. Manage Your "Friendship Boundaries": Just because you've added a special someone to your Facebook profile as "a special someone" doesn't mean you should immediately add all of their friends as a way of introducing yourself. Let public meets do the talking and not an obsession with social media.
4. Stay Away From Exes: To the Facebook world, an end to a relationship also holds the second meaning that those involved are "finally single". Constant interactions with new singles will be seen by others and it's best to be seen as supportive, not desperate.
5. Refrain From Bullying: Bullying an ex is the same as a bully tormenting another kid their age on the playground. It's unnecessary and this case, should be avoided as its considered a juvenile action that can create issues and insecurity within your current relationship.
6. Re-evaluate Your Profile Picture: Is your profile picture a bit too racy or unprofessional to be respected? Being in a relationship now means that you have to maintain an image in front of your partner's friends and maintaining a positive one can help build a connection long-term.
7. Practice Self-Control: Facebook can be a rumor mill that slowly launches fights among social groups and some are bound to brew because of your new relationship. Know when to pick your battles and when to shy away from social drama as most conversations of this nature are not needed.
8. Limit Your Profile: Want to keep a safe relationship on Facebook without any interferences or attacks? Try limiting your profile to the point that tagged photos don't show up at the wrong times and exes or jealous friends don't post hurtful messages on your wall.
9. Don't Take Social Media Too Seriously: There are social media addicts everywhere but it doesn't mean you have to be one too. Trying to control every little aspect of your Facebook profile or others is a bit much and will make it seem like you're a bit out of touch with your actual social life.
10. Keep It Natural: On an daily basis, there isn't a need to bombard your Facebook wall or the homepage of others with numerous posts about your day. This can make you appear lonely and bored which can alter a relationship and your friendships significantly.
11. Keep Intimate Messages Private: There isn't a need for your whole network - which may include teachers, bosses and parents - to see your private messages to the person you're currently dating. Keep them private or keep them off Facebook.
12. Enjoy The Real World: Instead of keeping your relationship to a status on a social network, further your connection with someone in the real world, going on dates and adventures that can bring the two of you closer together.
13. Don't Pretend To Be Single: If you're in a serious relationship, you shouldn't be looking to keep options open because if things get too personal, you could hurt those that are actually single and looking for love.
14. Don't Make A Status Official Until It Is: There have been numerous horror stories about couples finding out that their relationship status changed without caution thanks to Facebook. If you are ready to start a new beginning or end another chapter, make sure it's official.
15. Display Creative Affection: Some relationships do undergo difficulty because a lack of public affection and smaller creative actions such as regularly holding hands and leaving little sincere love notes can counter that for the better.
