My partner and I just got back from our first vacation together. I was excited about us getting away and spending time alone. The problem is that he insisted on broadcasting everything on social media. From the airport to the airplane to the hotel to each plate of food to every activity on the trip, he seemed more focused on capturing the content for an audience rather than living in the moment with me. It was annoying and I felt disrespected. How do I put my foot down so it doesn't happen again? Because at this point I don't want to travel with him anymore.
I love this. I say the same thing when I see people’s beach photos and they’re clutching their phone as someone takes a pic of them. I laugh and wonder how much the person is actually enjoying the beach for its natural beauty. It’s like the coconut drink has been replaced by a phone on those tropical beaches. It’s kinda sad. So, I’m with you on this.
Are you old enough to remember film cameras? You had 12 or 24 pictures and that was it. You used them sparingly. What about getting a camera like that and then he’s limited into how much is captured? He’ll be thinking twice before snapping pics of everything. Once the camera’s run out, it’s out. You can enjoy the rest of the day without broadcasting it. Plus, since it’s not connected to the internet, he’ll have to wait until later to share the shots with the world. More time to focus on you in the moment, right?
You could also turn the tables and start taking pics during inopportune times for him. Is he grouchy? Is he having a bad day? Is he getting impatient about something? That’s the perfect time for you to insist on getting selfies because, after all, every moment needs to be documented, right? Maybe that’s a two-fer: changing his mood and getting your point across that not everything is a photo opp.
If the issue is you want some privacy and not necessarily more of his attention, remind him that the vacation is between you two and for you two. If it was meant to be for others, they’d be on the trip with you. And, like you say, if you don’t want to travel with him again, tell him that next time he talks about a vacation. If it’s going to be a threesome – him, you and his phone – then it’s no deal. That’s your condition for the next trip: you’re not being exploited during your travels.