Two of the most popular social networks of all time, Facebook and Twitter, are also two of the most popular fight-causing networks of all time. Both sites showcase whom you follow/ “friend” as well as what you like or in Twitter’s case, retweet or “favorited”. Twitter allows one to direct message another follower, without anyone knowing they are active on their account. Facebook also offers a similar alternative, inbox messaging, which allows you to communicate without showing as active to others. As of September 2012, Facebook had over one billion users worldwide which maximized the chances of finding and communicating with lost or old friends. Because of the increased chances of communication and the private messaging features on both sites, they’ve become somewhat of a snoopers’ paradise. Many a brawl have started because of a tagged photo or a simple @ on twitter. Some of us are no strangers to these phrases…”So yuh like *random hot girl* picture eh?!” or “Since when you and HE is friends!” Sigh. Back in 2003 or what we like the call the PF (Pre Facebook) period these were non-issues.

Instagram is a social networking service that allows users to post and view photos and videos as well as share them on other social networking services like Twitter or Facebook. Most of the relationship turmoil surrounding Instagram comes about from the dangerous little “Following” feature. Ha! Who told Instagram to do that? How many can admit to never being asked about what pictures they’ve liked (and why..), who they’re following (and why..), who’s following them (and why..) or why certain people like their posts? How many can admit to never being the questioner? Chances are, those who say not are in a small minority (orrr…yuh lying).

As exciting as Apple’s Touch ID feature is with the new iPhone 5S, it will most likely be the source of plenty bacchanal between couples. Touch ID is new fingerprint identity sensor. It will recognize the owner’s thumbprint granting access to the phone without having entered a password. This seriously ups the ante in the “Relationship Spy game”. All those who have ever gotten lucky in guessing a password or just watching like a hawk until yuh figured it out (my personal weapon of choice) your time has run out. Unless your fingerprint has been enrolled into the Touch ID feature to be recognized by the sensor, access to the phone will be denied. I want to send a big heartfelt F**K YOU to Apple on this one. (You’re welcome ladies ). Couples around the world would be asking, “So why isn’t my thumb print one of the allowed!!? What yup hiding on yuh phone!!!…” *cue fight*

Last but definitely not least is a quick photo-messaging app known as Snapchat. With this application, users can take photos, record videos, add text and drawings, and send them to a controlled list of recipients. Users set a time limit for how long recipients can view their “snaps” after which they will be hidden from the recipient’s device and deleted from the Snapchat server. Snapchat even allows you to see if your sent item has been saved with a “Screenshot!” message alert. The Snapchat application has been commonly associated with the sexting phenomenon, since it allows the free flow of photos and videos that aren’t saved to the recipient’s device. To add fuel to the fire, Snapchat provides a list of your three “best friends”: the three persons who you exchange snaps with most often. Hmmm…I smell trouble here…

Although it is said that trust is the key to any healthy relationship (*yawn* and all that other clichéd stuff), it does not change the fact that technology has made it a bit harder to do so. Even though technology has served us well in most aspects of our lives, it has, in several cases, done more harm than good to existing relationships. It has definitely made it easier to be lead astray or tempted. Even when these networks or gadgets are used innocently, the possibilities of what could be aren’t necessarily eliminated from a partner’s mind. Regardless of what these networks are being used for, they could still create tension and stressful situations between partners. Above all, I urge couples to be mindful of what they like, who they snap and who they @, just to be on the safe side!

Eat Smart
A cheat day or two a week actually boosts the metabolism and helps you to burn those calories faster. Take advantage of those cheat days and use them at the most indulging events so you can fully enjoy them without feeling restricted or being afraid of the food. For quick stop food options, fast food stops like Chefette and Burger King both offer grilled instead of fried chicken sandwich alternatives, that scale calories down by almost half. Skipping the mayo and dressings will make it a stop that you don’t have to run in the gym first thing the next morning and repent for. Subway is also a head quick stop contender, with salads and subs, like the 6-inch turkey breast on wheat bread with veggies and mustard, carrying only 360 calories. Forget the fries at KFC and have a side of mashed potatoes instead, without the gravy, for a healthier snack that you can grab while yuh on the move. Baxter’s Road and Oistins venders also offer grilled fish and side options rather than fried that make for a guilt free after fete snack that you don’t have to compromise your beloved belly and taste buds for. For those on the south, Il Forno in Sheraton Center offers build your own salad options for a clean but tasty meal on the run. Forget the soft drinks that generally accompany these meals and grab a bottle of water or natural juice instead to keep them Kadooment abs from disappearing.

At De Bar
Gravitate towards the wine and champagne bars for under half the calories of cocktails like Cosmopolitans or Martinis. For the cooler fetes, pack yuh cooler with low calorie chasers like light cranberry juice, tonic water, orange juice and coconut water and plenty water. These mixers are smarter choices than the usual soft drinks that pack large amounts of sugars and calories. Hydrating between and after drinking is also important in keeping the calorie count low (this is where the plenty water comes in handy). Clear liquids are usually lower in calories, so infused vodkas, gins and white rum are a few of the options lower in sugars that you could also pack in your cooler. Dandelion tea is great to stock up on and drink throughout the days that yuh know REAL drinks going to beat, as it helps to detoxify the liver.

Keeping Active
Above all, it is important to keep yourself active. Dancing is a great form of cardio so DO NOT play stush! Pelt as much waist as possible to burn off the night’s intake for less to stress about the following day. Although your schedule will tighten up, it is important that you still allocate some time to your workout to burn off the gap burgers and shell bulldogs that you just could not resist. Gyms around the island offer “wukkup workouts” and carnival themed spin classes that make it way more fun and easy to stay in shape. Themed Zumba classes are also open to the public during the Crop Over season, which is a great way to burn calories without feeling like you’re working out.

All in all, you don’t have to sacrifice enjoying yuhself for your dream bod. Smarter, yet enjoyable, choices can be made to ensure that you enjoy the season, without losing all that you worked for. Being minding of the alcohol and food consumed can make a huge difference without sacrificing all that you enjoy