Knapp's relationship model and interpersonal relationships

 Knapp's relationship model and my relationship: 

Knapp's relationship model focuses on ten different stages of coming together and growing apart within interpersonal relationships. My boyfriend and I have been together for almost two years, and have been through many phases of Knapp's model. We had previously gone through an initiation and experimentation phase in 2019, when we had formally met and began talking, and went on one date before we mutually fizzled out. However, I wouldn't consider this a part of the termination model because we were never in a committed relationship at this point. We stayed close friends from 2020 through early 2021where our relationship would go back and forth between friendship and something more. We both had relationships or talking phases with other people throughout those years. However, during this phase we would hang out constantly, go to dinner, buy each other gifts and talk about our life experiences daily. This was definitely the intensifying phase, but both of us were too scared to admit our feelings for each other and bring it to the next level until summer 2021, specifically August 2021. This is when we entered the integration phase and really took that step from friendship to a committed relationship. We officially began dating, saying I love you, going on family vacations together, and all that cheesy relationship stuff. I would say this is the phase we are in now, progressing toward the bonding phase however we obviously aren't married or close to it. Of course, our relationship isn't perfect, we have fought, hit roadblocks disagreed, but we have never entered a phase of the termination model because we believe in communication and forgiveness in our relationship. We are constantly working on ourselves and our relationship together, and don't allow our conflicts to progress further than they should. 

How have the impacts of online communication affected this relationship?

There have been both positive and negatives to online communication in our relationship. My boyfriend goes to a different school about an hour away, so calling and texting each other is essential to our relationship and keeping in touch with each other even when we are apart. He is studying abroad next year so once again online communication will be essential to our relationship. Posting about each other and the milestones in our relationship are validating and something that is almost essential to relationships in this generation. Sending each other videos of our future endeavors and ambitions, places we would like to travel together, date ideas, and even houses and wedding venues is something that keeps us excited about our future. 

However, online communication and social media have probably also caused the most disagreements between us. I personally believe social media is incredibly toxic for relationships. Viewing other women or men in a way that would make your partner uncomfortable, easy access to communicating with people your partner isn't okay with, constant comparisons with other people, and other people's relationships. This can all result in feelings of jealousy, resentment, and distrust towards your partner. Smartphones and social media also are huge distractions, and often take away from quality time and really living in important moments with your partner. If it were possible I would avoid social media completely but I do believe it is an important part of relationships in this current age and trust and respect are both necessary qualities when it comes to online communication.