From The Straits Times    |

So the Boyfriend has finally succumbed to temptations of the Apple… iPhone. Last Friday, he joined the hideously long queue at Marina Bay Sands to collect his pre-ordered iPhone 4.

Like the time when I got myself the (app-solutely amazing) iPhone 3GS, it marked a significant change in our relationship. I was the silent party then. Now he doesn’t talk either. Neither do we hold hands – we’re both too busy scrolling through apps.

 

Even the dog’s into it!

 

Enter the iPad. As the tech writer for Her World, a review set came into my hands for a week. With two iPhones and an iPad, our conversations went from “What movie shall we watch?” to “Hey, have you downloaded this app? You can watch videos with it!”

 

But that’s on good days. On bad days (like when he criticised the Death Grip and hurt my Mac-loving soul), I fly into an illogical rage worthy of screen-time on a Cantonese soap drama. And I usually end my rant with… “And don’t you dare say the Android is better!” 

 

Obviously, this will not do in the long run. If you’re anything like us, don’t let technology get in the way of a harmonious relationship. Try these tips. 

 

   1. Praise his apps: I’m not kidding. Most of us are proud of our app selections. Stroke his ego by saying things like “Wow, how did you find this app? It’s so useful!” Repeat 2 to 3 times a week for the best results.

 

   2. Talk about stuff: Don’t keep comparing apps or talking about what your iPad can do. Talk to your pet together. Ask him “how’s your day?” and not “can I have your iTunes password so I don’t have to pay for this app?” 

 

   3. No gadgets under pillows: Madonna confessed that she and Guy Ritchie slept with their BlackBerrys under their pillows. They’re divorced. So ban gadgets from the marital bed, if not the bedroom. I put my iPhone on the desk. 

 

   4. Let him know he matters: Make a conscious effort to hold his hand, not your gadget. On a date? Focus your gaze on him instead of the phone. And don’t let him see the top of your head all the time, please. Your face (and smile) is definitely more interesting than your hair. So look up!