{"id":569,"date":"2022-06-21T11:25:18","date_gmt":"2022-06-21T11:25:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/breakthecycle.org\/warning-signs-spotlight-checking-your-phone-without-permission\/"},"modified":"2024-04-13T21:50:50","modified_gmt":"2024-04-13T21:50:50","slug":"warning-signs-spotlight-checking-your-phone-without-permission","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.breakthecycle.org\/blog\/warning-signs-spotlight-checking-your-phone-without-permission\/","title":{"rendered":"Warning Signs Spotlight: Checking Your Phone Without Permission"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Please note: Entries within this blog may contain references to instances of domestic abuse, dating abuse, sexual assault, abuse or harassment. At all times, Break the Cycle encourages readers to take whatever precautions necessary to protect themselves emotionally and psychologically.\u00a0 If you would like to speak with an advocate, please contact a 24\/7 peer advocate at\u00a0<\/span>866-331-9474<\/a>\u00a0 or text “loveis” to 22522.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Warning Signs Spotlight: Checking Your Phone Without Permission<\/div>\n
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The beginning of a new relationship<\/a> can feel like a breath of fresh air. It\u2019s a unique time where you learn about your partner, explore each other\u2019s wants and needs, and spend quality time together. During this period, you begin building trust and figuring out where the relationship can go in the future. While the ambiguity of a new relationship feels amazing to some people, for others, it can open a sea of insecurities that when left unchecked can become possessive or controlling behaviors. Early signs of dating abuse can be identified through the constant checking of cell phones, social media accounts, text messages, or other online networks without your permission.<\/p>\n

Now, you\u2019re probably wondering how is checking someone\u2019s phone without their permission considered a warning sign<\/a> for dating abuse<\/a>? It\u2019s not like this is an example of couples getting into physical altercations or making verbal threats to each other. However, the simple act of crossing someone\u2019s boundaries by looking at their personal property without permission is what causes these actions to slip into unhealthy relationship territory. Without mutual agreements, a relationship can become one-sided. If your partner doesn’t want you to look at their phone or check their social media, that’s a boundary you need to accept. They have the right to freedom and space in the relationship, even online!<\/p>\n

While respecting our partner\u2019s boundaries creates a foundation for a healthy relationship, trusting your partner is the key to success! How many times have we heard the phrase \u201cRelationships are built on trust!\u201d? Even with hearing it often, when it comes to our personal relationships we often forget this concept. If you constantly worry about who your partner is talking to when you\u2019re not around, chances are there are some trust issues within the relationship.<\/p>\n

How can we address these issues when we\u2019re already angry or have additional concerns? The first step is taking a minute to breathe and really analyze the situation. Does it make sense to jump to quick conclusions and demand access to someone\u2019s things? Or should you have a conversation about how you\u2019re feeling with your partner? Even though it may be uncomfortable at times, we should find a way to communicate our needs. If we know that relationships are built on mutual dignity, respect, and trust, then in theory we shouldn\u2019t have to worry about checking our partner\u2019s device or social networks. A \u201cHealthy We<\/a>\u201d is when we are truly respecting each other\u2019s boundaries and trusting our partners to do the right thing.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s Time to Talk<\/h3>\n

Here are a few questions that parents and caring adults<\/a> can use to start conversations about checking devices and social media with the young people in their life:<\/p>\n