Randi Martin, WTOP.com

WASHINGTON — Relationships are always evolving, and that’s a good thing. Many relationship experts like the fact that folks are talking to each other more, they’re just not happy that couples seem to be doing a lot of it over social media.

So the New Year must come with New Rules for Relationships.

• Step away from that computer.

  Instant messaging can be hurtful to your relationship, so can updating your Facebook status and tweets of a nasty nature. Sure, we all have fights. But does everyone want to hear about it? If you find yourself picking up that iPhone or laptop after a fight, put it down, think before you post, go walk the dog, count to ten — anything but vent online. Hurtful comments do not go away.

• Unplug after work

  If you are still looking at your laptop or phone for company messages, you are still working. This is a sure way to cause family stress and unhappiness. Set a time limit for work and shut it down.
• Housework Equality

  The equal sharing of housework creates a big strain on a partnership … because it’s rarely equal. And surprisingly, research has found that husbands actually do fewer chores than boyfriends. Perhaps a cleaning service take do the bulk of the work. Outsourcing cleaning chores may be something to look into in 2012.

• Respect

  Respect yourself, for one, by being a little selfish. Want to spend more time at the gym? Take cooking class? Learn a new language? Do it. Your bond with your mate will improve as you do.

  And, respect your partner. No posting problems or disagreements on social media. Couples who feud online, phone, twitter, make everyone uneasy.

New Rules for a New Year. From a View From Venus

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