The Daily ‘Modern Love’: To Share or Not To Share? How Location Sharing Is Changing Our Relationships
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Jul 6, 2025 Arlon Jay Staggs, a Modern Love essayist, shares his insights on the emotional complexities of location sharing within relationships. He discusses the balance between comfort and intrusion that comes with monitoring loved ones. Staggs reflects on his journey from a conservative background to embracing his identity as a gay man and how this ties into his familial relationships. He candidly addresses the impact of grief and mental health challenges, revealing how technology can both support and strain connections during difficult times.
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Location Sharing for Connection
- Arlon shared location with his mother during long drives for peace of mind and fun tracking progress.
- His mother enjoyed following their daily travel, which gave her comfort and connection.
Location Sharing Turns Stressful
- Arlon's mother grew anxious over seeing his location and made unwarranted concerns about his activities.
- This led Arlon to feel the need to stop sharing his location to protect his privacy.
Unintended Calls Reveal Anxiety
- Arlon discreetly stopped location sharing but his mother noticed weeks later and worried due to missed updates.
- He butt-dialed her multiple times, causing her to fear he was in danger, a misinterpretation that showed her deep concern.