A picture says a thousand words, but apparently, couple selfies don't always tell the whole story.
While we might come across affectionate moments between a pair on our newsfeeds, there could be plenty of red flags behind the smiles. According to a new study from Shotkit, couples who are unhappy in their relationship post images of their significant other more frequently than the ones who are satisfied, contrary to popular belief.
So, what does this somewhat unsettling study mean, exactly? Here's what you need to know before you start searching for the perfect breakup line and delete the Instagram app from your phone.
What did Shotkit's study on couple selfies indicate?
Roughly 2,000 couples between the ages of 18 to 50 were surveyed, and per ShotKit's findings, those S.O.s who post three or more couple selfies per week on social media are a staggering 128 percent unhappier than those who keep a low profile. What's more, out of all of those who are snapping images constantly, only 10 percent of them are actually feeling fulfilled in their romantic lives compared to 46 percent of those who keep posts few and far between.
So, what's the reason behind these less-than-optimistic stats? The study suggests that trust could play a factor in the need for constant posts. (Is a case of mentionitis or soft cheating to blame?) Maybe the 'Grammer Extraordinaire is trying to prove something to followers. Perhaps it's an attempt to push aside issues that are *really* the root of the problem in the relationship.
All relationships are different, and we can't just make assumptions from looking at happy photos, or lack thereof.
So, if you post couple selfies, are you doomed?
While the numbers from Shotkit's research might not be what we would've liked to see, does it mean all of those snaps on our pages need to be taken down? Are we wrong for wanting to share an exciting experience with those we're close to (virtually, at least)? No.
If your partner asks you to "say cheese," it doesn't automatically mean you're doomed. Regardless of social media posting habits, the #1 relationship deal-breaker, according to dating expert Jacqueline Fae, is staying true to yourself and the person you love.
"Authenticity is really your best friend in finding a lasting relationship," she previously told My Imperfect Life.
And how do we ensure we're authentic with our loved ones? Open and honest dialogue.
"By communicating your needs and priorities, you are creating clarity about when they can expect going forward so that they have confidence in who you are and what they can expect from you," Laurel House, a relationship expert with eharmony previously said.
But, perhaps more than ever, we should push aside our selfie intake, disregard dating trends, and not worry so much about what others think. Dating expert Rikki Dymond said we can get rid of these types of headaches by just trusting our gut.
"We really just need to dive deep within our own heart, know exactly what we want, need and deserve," she said. "There might be roadblocks, and that's ok. Try to take that with a grain of salt. No matter what goals we have in our life, we're going to have issues. Don't let those sidetrack you."
All in all, the study might've been a little frightening, but don't let it deter you from taking a cool snap with your boo while on vacation or during a fun evening out. A picture says 1,000 words and plenty of them are good!
