It appears to us that you’re treading on dangerous ground. A recent survey of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers revealed that Facebook has been a major factor in one out of five U. S. divorces. Because of this, and for a number of related reasons, we think your situation presents real concerns. Your connection with your “online friend” could easily be an affair in the making.
By your own account, your relationship with your husband is already fragile. This is not the time to enter into a dalliance with a member of the opposite sex, no matter how innocent it may seem. Instead of exposing your marriage to even greater threats, you should be taking steps to build a wall around it. For some practical suggestions in this area, we recommend you take a look at Jerry Jenkins’s book Hedges: Loving Your Marriage Enough to Protect It.
In the meantime, when you feel frustrated about your marriage, don’t go online and air your thoughts and feelings with an “understanding” outsider. Instead, talk to your spouse. If the spark has gone out of your relationship, maybe it’s time to sit down together and see what can be done to remedy the situation. Come up with a plan to fan the flames of romance in your marriage. Set aside a regular date night and start spending more time together. If you have children, get a babysitter and go out to dinner. Write a love letter to your spouse. Buy him a gift. Be creative in the ways you show affection to each other. Dig into your shared history and rediscover what it was that brought you together in the first place. Learn what it means to love unconditionally, even during hard times and dry times. Renew your commitment to stick together through thick and thin.
Perhaps you and your husband have trouble communicating on this level. If so, seek out a trained marriage counselor who can help you work through your issues. If you still need to let someone else know what’s going on, you can open your heart to a spiritual mentor, a parent, a sibling, a pastor, or a close friend. But don’t make yourself vulnerable with someone for whom you might be tempted to develop romantic feelings. If you do, you’re asking for trouble.
Would you like to discuss these recommendations at greater length with a member of our staff? If so, don’t hesitate to call and speak with a member of our Counseling department. They can also provide you with a list of licensed Christian marriage and family therapists practicing in your area. We’d be pleased to assist you in any way we can.
Resources
If a title is currently unavailable through Focus on the Family, we encourage you to use another retailer.
Friendship or Flirtation? Danger Signs for Couples
Forty Unforgettable Dates With Your Mate
Referrals
Covenant Eyes
Articles
Marriage and Social Media: Risks, Benefits, and Best Practices
