Let me call you "tweetheart"

Technology - you’ve got to love it. Or hate it. When it comes to relationships, technology is a double-edged sword. Yes, it’s great to be able to connect with your mate using a quick text: “Meet me at 6.” Sure, it’s fun to send a link of interest. It’s even a kick to follow him or her on Twitter now and then.

But what happens when technology disconnects rather than connects you? You know what I mean. I’m talking about when night after night you go to bed and your partner stays up late surfing the net or TV. Or the times your mate responds to a comment by grunting, “Uh, huh,” as his or her eyes are glued to a Blackberry or iPod screen.           

Don’t get me wrong. Technology is great. But when it is used at the expense of your relationship, you’ve got a problem. If you and your mate don’t set IT boundaries, over time your relationship will suffer. One of the best ways for you to strike a balance between face-to-face and technological communication is to agree to have a minimum of two “techno-free” nights per week.

Yes, turn off the blackberries, cell phones, TVs and computers. What you do during that time is up to you. I’m sure you’ll think of something.

Kathy Dawson is a Cleveland Heights-based relationship coach, see www.kathythecoach.com.