From an outsider’s perspective, “outsider” meaning single person, relationships in 2018 seem to be never-ending cycles of jealously, control and a need to feel wanted. Social media and the psychological technological addiction that too many suffer from are factors that toxify the relationship even further.

Jealousy: “Why are you liking her pictures? Why have you been Snapchatting her?” These are not just questions that girls ask guys. The jealousy factor can be even worse when it comes to guys. Psychology Today says jealousy stems from insecurity and a fear that a loved one may find someone else.

Similar traits, interests and habits are what bring people together. Are you not supposed to enjoy a platonic relationship with somebody of the other sex just because you have a significant other? Yes? That is crazy. Vice President Mike Pence cannot even have lunch with another woman alone. There is no logical answer to why he thinks that way. People are supposed to be dating somebody because they are committed to them, and the introduction of a new person in their life should not matter for a second. Be confident in your relationship.

Control: This is the most toxic aspect of relationships. There should never be a person in more control. Traditional gender roles suggest men should be dominant and the one who commandeers the couple’s life. Traditional gender roles are dumb.

Men and women often display similar behaviors. There are masculine women and feminine men. It is dumbfounding that it took centuries to realize that women are men’s equals. Men pushed the other half of society away to wrestle with the world’s problems when there are just as many women that could speed the process along. Why it took so long probably has an answer that makes as much sense as to why Pence cannot eat a turkey sandwich next to anybody that is not his wife.

Pence should be able to eat with anybody he wants to. If one partner is dictating what the other does, then there is a serious problem. They are coexisting in their partner’s life, not ruling it. Enjoy the occasional cigarette? Want to wear a revealing outfit to the bar? Do it.

People should always respect their partner’s feelings and thoughts, but never be able to tell them what to do. If someone’s every thought and action is dictated by what their significant other says, if someone’s life is in the shadow and convenience of theirs, then that is pathetic. The relationship is a conversation with two microphones, not one.

Need to feel wanted: A lot of relationships just feel like they exist so the girl can count how many likes a couple can get on their most recent Instagram picture, and how many friends are jealous of their relationship.

A relationship should not revolve around what is good enough to post about, whether it is a romantic gesture or activity. Do these things for the memory and time with that person, not for the internet’s reaction.

Finally, texting. The constant texting that starts when a person wakes up and only stops when they sleep. It is a pointless conversation that only continues for the sake of continuing. Does he want to play Fortnite for a few hours and not text? Does she not want to text when she’s at the bar? These should not be big problems. The conversation should naturally happen, not forced for a feeling of “if they are not texting me, they are not doing anything bad.”

People should trust their significant others. If they cannot, they should not be with anyone. Being single is not being lonely. It is a freedom that is supposed to strengthen an individual’s mind to make the next relationship even stronger.

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