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I recently got married in September and have decided that I have it pretty easy. Well, let me back up for one second in case my husband reads this. I decided that my marriage has different advantages than, let’s say, my parent’s marriage. Here’s why:
I have always found it amusing to listen to people older than myself describe the technological advancements that have occurred in their lifetime. Computers are now smaller than bedrooms, cell phones are detached from car consoles, and televisions no longer require “rabbit-ears” and tin foil, and the youngest family member standing in just the right spot holding the extraterrestrial contraption. I also enjoy the consistent comments of “one on one interactions don’t exist anymore; everything is online; there isn’t even a real person on the other end of the telephone.” Honestly I can’t complain! I don’t like dealing with most people one on one, I’m glad I can do everything from the convenience of my pajamas, and it’s probably a good idea for me to converse with an automated voice since I tend to curse at people when I’m displeased. Especially when calling 1-800 numbers.
This got me to thinking about how different my husband and my relationship has been because of these advances. My parents, for example, did not have the same conveniences affecting their courtship, engagement, etc. Granted, my parents were not sending love letters via horse and carriage, but they certainly used home telephones and passed notes in class. They could not text each other if they were going to be late for a date, could not send an email confirming flower arrangements for the wedding, and certainly did not update their relationship status via Facebook. My husband and I can have instant communication at all times, which is certainly a luxury when you’re in a healthy marriage.
And no, we do not need to know where the other is and what they’re doing at every moment in time. Actually, our techno-savvy generation may experience a whole new realm of difficulties when it comes to dating. My mother was able to call my cell phone at ANY time during a high school date (under which the stipulation for staying out and possessing a cell phone was that I always answer), my college roommate would AIM chat my crush behind my back (literally, the desks faced opposite walls) about midnight rendezvous, and many a cheater was revealed via online stalking between my girlfriends and I. Oh, the broken hearts, dramatic online arguments, and rumor mills of my e-world past...
But now I’ve done the inevitable: argued my own argument and changed my mind! So what if I can text or email or Facebook my husband via Blackberry every millisecond! How romantic was it when my father showed up on dates when he was supposed to and my mother had faith that he would! (This is giving my dad way too much credit by the way, but alas they are my example.) I guess they had their ups and downs because of the amount of technological communication they had 27 years ago, and my husband and I have ups and downs too...and instant “when are you coming home? you’re late and I’m hungry and want to bitch about work” technological communication at our fingertips.
