GPS tracking in relationships: Why location sharing kills romance

In today’s digital age, there’s an app for everything. You can order food, find a ride, and even spot the nearest coffee shop. But there’s one app feature that’s taken over relationships like a sitcom gone wrong: location sharing. Yes, the ability to follow your significant other’s every move. But is it love, or is it just plain creepy? Spoiler alert: It’s creepy.

Let’s start with the big one. Trust is the foundation of any relationship, and if you need to know where your partner is at all times, you might have some trust issues to work on. You wouldn’t hire a private investigator to tail them on a date night (or at least, I hope not). So, why turn your phone into a surveillance device? There’s a certain romance to mystery—knowing you’ll see each other at the end of the day without knowing every step they took to get there. Besides, isn’t it more fun to imagine they’re planning a surprise for you, rather than confirming they’re in the cereal aisle?

Location sharing opens up the Pandora’s box. Once you have that GPS access, you’re constantly tempted to check. And what happens if you see they’re at Quivers at 11pm, when you thought they were having a late night at the office? Suddenly, instead of curling up with Netflix, you’re spiraling through scenarios involving candlelit dinners, secret identities, and international espionage.

Even in the most innocent situations, location sharing fuels imagination in the worst way. We’re all human, and we all overthink. But guess what? 90 per cent of the time, they’re just grabbing a quick snack or having a good time with friends. So, give yourself a break and avoid unnecessary heart palpitations. After all, “ignorance is bliss” wasn’t just a saying—it was a plea from ancient lovers who knew the hazards of constant updates.

Everyone needs a little space—even in the happiest relationships. Picture this: it’s Saturday afternoon, you’re sneaking out for a solo coffee date or a quiet bookstore trip, just a moment to recharge. Suddenly, ding! Your partner’s texting, “Why are you at Art Cafe?” Now, instead of enjoying a peaceful moment, you’re explaining that you just wanted a latte, not to escape your relationship.

Location sharing erodes those precious little moments of solitude, and honestly, it’s exhausting. Relationships flourish when both people feel secure enough to be themselves, even if that self is spending three hours browsing used novels without interruption. Let your partner wonder what you’re up to sometimes.

Remember when your phone was just a fun gadget for memes and selfies? Well, with location sharing, it morphs into a tattletale. Think of it as an annoying third wheel, sitting between you two with constant updates and commentary. Now, instead of savouring a spontaneous night out, you’re checking to see if your partner is still at their friend’s place or if they’ve finally headed home.

Love isn’t about having a 24/7 report on someone’s whereabouts. It’s about showing up, being present, and letting each other live in the moment. The second you bring real-time tracking into it, you lose that organic flow. Do you want to be their partner, or their parole officer?

Let’s face it: location sharing is also ripe for uncomfortable moments. Maybe your partner doesn’t feel like admitting that they spent two hours at a fast-food drive-thru after a “tough” gym session. Or maybe they’re trying to sneakily pick out an anniversary gift without you noticing they’ve been wandering around the mall. Either way, there are some things best left unshared. When every little move is broadcasted, it’s hard to keep the spark alive. There’s a fine line between openness and oversharing, and GPS tracking stamps all over it.

Location sharing might seem convenient, but it’s also a slippery slope to becoming a low-key control freak (we all have that tendency!). When you’re in a trusting, healthy relationship, you don’t need to check up on each other constantly. Leave the GPS tracking to finding your way to new restaurants and skip it in romance. Trust your partner, laugh off those insecurities, and embrace the joys of a little unpredictability. After all, the best love stories don’t need to be tracked—they just need to be enjoyed.