Relationship Tips: Does Facebook strengthen relationships?

Everyone and his brother is on Facebook nowadays. We use it for myriad reasons: to keep in touch with friends and family, post pictures, play word games, and so on. But does Facebook have a positive effect on our relationships? Or are relationships adversely affected by the social media juggernaut?

For the most part, I think Facebook "does a relationship good." How else would we find out that our friend just got a promotion? That our sibling is planning a trip to the Bahamas? That our coworker just broke up with his girlfriend?

In this day and age, Facebook, not the phone, is the medium through which we wish people a Happy Birthday. (It sure helps that the site itself reminds us of each "friend's" birthday.)

I think Facebook becomes a problem when friends rely exclusively on the site to communicate with each other. Instead, time spent on Facebook should be balanced with a healthy dose of face-to-face contact.

In other words, I believe too much Facebook banter can dilute a relationship when both people have the opportunity to spend time together in person (I.e. they live within walking or driving distance of each other), but simply aren't making the effort to do so.

Despite the conveniences Facebook provides users, there is no substitute for being with someone in the flesh. Do continue to stay connected via the site, but pencil occasional outings with your closest friends into your schedule. I can assure you your friendship will be stronger if you do a little of both.

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