twitter-logo1Twitter is another online social network exploding into the mainstream!

People following other people they know, don’t know, want to know or hope to know in real-time someday.  Until then, the conversations are limited to 140-characters, including links to photos, websites or blogs through shrunken URL’s that look like a drunk typed on the keyboard.

I’ve been existing in experimental mode on Twitter for the last several months (follow me @marriagejunkie).  I’ve followed the messages among those I follow (feeling a bit like a grammatical voyeur).  I’ve watched how Twitter is talked about in the media (with TV reporters now begging for followers during the news).  I’ve read articles on how Twitter is revolutionizing the world.  (I’ve even corresponded with some of those doing the revolutionizing such as, Guy Kawasaki).

Twitter is also transforming the dating world. (Twitter Me, Tweet Me, Date Me)

A girl named Nomadic wrote this on a blog about her relationship: “Well….we met online.  We flirted on email (and) then on instant messenger. Now we are getting married. I thought it would be cool to exchange vows on Twitter. What do you think?”

While exchanging the vows over Twitter may be a little over the top (besides, the vows are a bit longer then 140-characters), what about a wedding proposal?  Well that is already beginning to happen. (True Story of a Twitter Marriage Proposal)

Now don’t get me wrong,  I’m a firm believer in building intimate relationships in real-time, human bonding is occurring online.  And those of us in marriage strengthening work (healthy marriage initiatives, counseling centers and churches) need to be ready!

k-jason-krafsky-marriagejunkie-on-twitter_1238552815153After almost 90 days on Twitter, I have turned the corner and have found Tweeting to be an invaluable and indispensable communication vehicle to establish and better relationships. And so are a lot of other people.

Here’s some on Twitter (marriage resources and relationship advice) you definitely want to follow:

Much like an article series I co-wrote with my wife on Facebook and Your Marriage, here’s an excerpt from “How to Use Twitter to Tweak Your Relationships at Home”

“While face to face conversations may provide a bit more connection and understanding, the extra details can get in the way. Whether both you and your significant other use Twitter for business, to connect with family, or each other, it can be a great way to improve your relationship. It may even be a way to save it.

Here’s a few ideas how:

1. Focus on what’s important. Messages on Twitter are short and to the point, forcing you to focus on what’s most important and get to the heart of the matter between you. As a bonus, whenever I fall into the detail over-provider during face to face conversations with my wife, she can now respond with “Tweet that!”

2. Stay connected throughout the day. With Twitter’s ability to send direct messages, this is another way to stay in touch throughout the day. You could send short messages, plan out an evening, ask them out on a date, write a poem, or simply write “I love you” 12.72 times.

3. Team parenting as a way to grow closer. With Twitter’s DM feature you could easily connect and co-parent throughout the day as issues arise. Since children are so gifted at playing one parent off the other, tweeting is another one of many ways to combat this and stay informed as parents. Plus you’d have a record of your communication, further decreasing the likelihood of your child’s ability to twist what one of you say in order to get their way.

4. Collaborate with other parents/couples. Now I’m not recommending that you air your family’s dirty laundry with this idea. Instead, what if you used your Twitter followers to collaborate with when it comes to date ideas? Or parenting assistance? I’ve seen several conversations on Twitter about gift ideas and ways to celebrate special occasions.”

Read the original  article.

In some relationships, couples use Twitter to feel connected during the day.  In other cases,  pastors, counselors and marriage experts are sharing ideas on how to handle  marriage issues or reading about new relationship advice.   Who would have thought that the exchange of 140-character Tweets could have a ripple-effect on the health and quality of marriages?  I guess it all depends on who you follow.

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K. Jason Krafsky is the author of Before “I Do” – Preparing for the Full Marriage Experience (Turn the Tide Resource Group – www.FullMarriageExperience.com). As a marriage junkie, Jason supports his habit by training leaders on marriage issues, writing articles and books on marriage and family relationships, coaching communities, churches, and ministries on marriage strengthening strategies, and teaching couples about relationship issues (check out his blog at www.MarriageJunkie.com). Jason’s ultimate fix comes from his wife Kelli. They live in the foothills of Washington’s Cascade Mountains with their four children. Contact him at kjasonk@fullmarriageexperience.com, Twitter (marriagejunkie), or Facebook.

Copyright © 2009 K. Jason Krafsky – Permission granted to use and reproduce with proper source citation.

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