GlossMagazineOnline: How has social media affected the way relationships are formed and maintained?
Jason: It has given another realm for people to feel out other people in an atmosphere more comfortable, which is in the comfort of one’s own home. It has given, but it also has taken. With every level of comfort it has given the shy, it has also taken a realm of contact conversation from the outspoken and friendly.
GMO: Do you believe that couples should be friends/follow each other on these sites?
Jason: I think that people should spread positivity and the hope of love to others. I feel that being friends on social sites is an individual decision. It’s not about announcing on a billboard in Times Square who your partner is but letting people see that you are in a healthy relationship is better than spreading gripes and bitterness. Social media does not break up people. People break up their relationships by stupidity or other avenues of deceit. People with trust issues or that are up to something will mostly have gripes about a partner being their friend. People should have the conversation before their partner requests them. That way they know where they stand as a couple. However, if you met on social media, remaining a "friend" on social media should not be an issue.
GMO: Do you feel that it’s necessary to state your relationship status and who you’re in a relationship with?
Jason: I don’t know that it is necessary to state your relationship status, but it is important not to lie about it. If you both agree to not give the information, then do not have "single" because you are not single. Just leave it blank. I put my relationship status as married for two reasons, one because it is true and two because it’s a healthy and happy marriage, and I want others to know it exists for them, as well.
GMO: Is a lover’s quarrel ever acceptable on a social networking site?
Jason: A lover’s quarrel is never acceptable on social media. People with ulterior motives and who are bias in their stance are quickest to comment which can infuriate the situation. Do not ever put your quarrels on social media. It often ends bad.
GMO: What about AFTER a break up, do you cease all contact and block/unfollow each other?
Jason: As far as after a break-up, unless children are involved and the situation ended maturely where both parties realized they were better off as friends, I think there must be a break that removes any lingering feelings or misleading postings. A clean break is often the best one.
GMO: So, does the smiley face really imply flirting? Or is it just a friendly gesture?
Jason: Smiley faces are mainly friendly gestures. I have never used it in a flirty way unless it had the winking eye smiley face. That could be mistaken for flirting. However, one can usually see the direction of the conversation, no matter how misleading a text message can be. Smiley faces are friendly. Often used when one doesn’t know what else to say.
GMO: What advice can you give to a couple who is dealing with insecurities that come from social networking?
Jason: As far as insecurities, I say learn your partner. Social media does not define them. Whether a club, library, college, social media or anywhere there is an opportunity for conversation with a stranger, it is up to the person whatever comes of it. You have to learn your partner and know that they are trustworthy. Express your concerns and be open with communication and know that insecurities are rooted from something deeper than social media. I always tell people, it’s not social media that beaks people up, that’s just the type of person they are and social media was the excuse to do what they would in any other situation. Nothing wrong with communication and expressing how one feels. Mature conversation (nothing accusatory) is key.
GMO: How can you be contacted? In case the readers would like to seek your services.
Jason: I can be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ,
Find out more about Jason and his unique brand of advice by checking him out on social media (of course):
- Twitter : @AskMrLoverMan
- Facebook: Jason Mrloverman Ortiz
- Youtube: AskMrLoverMan
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