Alright. Go ahead and laugh. “Is Instagram ruining your relationship?” seems like a comical, yet unrealistic question that we would never ask ourselves in a relationship. But hear me out. To some, Instagram can stem feuds from a simple like, and turn it into a full-fledged war where everyone is left feeling upset or insecure (perhaps not the subject in the photograph itself…AKA the hot girl, the ex, or whomever’s photo that your boyfriend decided to like that day on Instagram).
I am sure many of you have texted your best girlfriend at one point asking, “why the hell did he like so-and-so’s picture?” From his ex girlfriends photos to that random girl with big…ahem, “eyes?” I assure you there is a time in all of our lives in this social media obsessed earth, that we have asked ourselves countless questions regarding Instagram likes, and realizing the sad truth behind how one innocent “like” can ruin our day. Maybe you inevitably compare yourself to the girl in the photo, or your boyfriend is ignoring your texts as you can see him actively liking on Instagram.
I can embarrassingly enough admit that I have at one point or another, fallen into the Instagram trap while being in a relationship: the spiraling dark hole of comparisons, nit picking, and over obsessing. I once started a fight with a significant other regarding him liking numerous girls’ photos. Looking back on it now, it was the biggest waste of time I had spent in that relationship (besides that time when I tried to teach him how to do the splits…BUT I WON’T GO THERE). Guys are going to look at other girls no matter what; some more than others, but the bottom line is this: if he’s liking another girl’s photos, he’s OBVIOUSLY cheating on you with the girl in the photo. JUST KIDDING.
Allow me to be your savior if you ever feel this way. From my own experience, he could like zero Instagram photos of women and still be cheating on you. Some harmless liking does not necessarily mean he is screwing around. As long as you are feeling the love as well, liking a girl’s photo does not mean he likes her more than you. In fact, a like doesn’t even mean he likes her at all.
I was dating a guy who didn’t like any girl’s Instagram photos (only his guy friend’s). He explained to me that he didn’t want to disrespect me or start any fights (how cute?) Fast forward a few months later, and he admitted to texting other girls and cheating on me. On the other hand, a guy I was seeing liked so many girls’ photos that I lost track but he wasn’t cheating on me (I think he was just super horny… and took it out on Instagram?) That being said, Instagram likes are not what you should be concerned with; it is how he treats YOU. I know…I know… it IS a little bit of a turn off to see your crush liking a million girl’s photos. In fact, it is a PAIN to see him liking photos, and ignoring your texts at the same time. You may start comparing yourself to these “Instagram models”, or trying to mimic the perfect selfie. On the other hand, maybe your friends are posting “relationship” photos, and your boyfriend doesn’t like to post any “coupley”; or won’t post a photo of you on his Instagram. The constant comparisons, anxiety, and obsession you have with Instagram starts to occupy your everyday thought more than you would like. So what do you do about it?
You could nag your boyfriend about him liking other girls’ photos (which would probably result in him feeling controlled), or you could suck it up and move on with your life. Here’s my advice: try not to start a fight over Instagram and don’t let an APP possess the ability to take away your confidence…especially in a relationship.
So ladies, anytime you feel the urge to start a fight over an Instagram like, remember this: Instagram is not reality and that perfect photo of that girl is not what it seems. Everyone has insecurities (some more than others…cough* KANYE). Your boyfriend or crush may not even like the subject in the photo, and it’s important to remember how unrealistic Instagram photos are.
Do yourself a favour and don’t bother checking the “following” page, it’s almost like snooping through a man’s Internet history…there is always something you will find and not like (LOL). In fact, maybe try following some hunky accounts such as @beardsandtats (you’re welcome) or @donaldtrump (if you’re into that). And for the guy who keeps ignoring your texts? Ignore him back, get off Instagram, text all the other cute fish in the sea, have some confidence, and live your life! AMEN.
