LOCATION SHARING

Is location sharing with your partner an asset or just a source of drama?

Settle an argument between my friend and I. She believes sharing locations with your partner is toxic. I believe its helpful, and sketchy if your partner isn’t willing to share. What do you think?

The issue of sharing locations with a partner can be seen from different perspectives. Whether it is helpful or toxic ultimately depends on the context of its usage and the dynamics and trust of the relationship. Different couples use this feature in different capacities and it is the intention behind it that ultimately matters. 

On one hand, I can see why sharing locations can be helpful and positive. A lot of couples argue that they share locations for safety reasons. If a partner is traveling or in some kind of risky situation, having their location on hand can bring peace of mind. It can also be helpful to see when your partner is on their way so you are able to be ready on time or prepare a meal so its warm when they get home. If both partners agree and see the positives in sharing, it can be an asset in every day life. It fosters trust and openness and makes it easier to coordinate plans. 

On the other hand, some people find sharing locations to be negative, uncomfortable and an invasion of privacy. Some people feel that someone having access to their location infringes on their personal space and gives the illusion of being watched and controlled. If sharing locations is coming from a place of insecurity or mistrust, it can indicate and magnify deeper issues in the relationship. Constantly tracking each other or questioning a persons whereabouts can lead to possessiveness, anxiety, resentment, and paranoia. Some argue the access to a partners location can become a dependency and the need to monitor the other person outweighs the ability to simply trust their word, timing and reliability. 

The bottom line is, both partners have to be comfortable with sharing and see it as a useful tool. If one person feels coerced or uncomfortable in any way, it can become a mess of mistrust and resentment very quickly. The intention behind sharing locations is essentially more important than whether you actually share or not. 

Personally, I think if you have trust in your relationship, sharing locations is not necessary unless you are sharing in a short term situation for an extenuating circumstance. Maybe you are traveling in a group or at a large event where you are splitting up. Sharing indefinitely for no reason other than to have it can become a temptation quickly. Really look at your lifestyle and see that it is really necessary and will be helpful before committing to it fully. Again, every couple is different. For some, sharing locations is a total asset. It makes coordinating each others schedules easier and prioritizes safety. For others, it can be a source of drama and crossed boundaries. Holding space for two things to be true at once! Xoxo