My family never misses an opportunity to tease my husband and me about a new app we’ve added to our cell phones. I don’t like to call it a tracking device per say, but it does provide us with the details of each other’s whereabouts, if ever we need them.
We have always been the type of couple to “check in” anyway. Whenever either of us is hanging out with friends and will be out late, we make sure to call so the other spouse knows we’ve made it safely to our destination. Even when I am set to return home I call my husband again to let him know when to expect my arrival. Sharing this information provides a sense of security for me. His knowing when I should make it back home lets him know to follow up if I don’t return within a certain time frame. Well, this new app accomplishes even more than that. We have it installed on not just our cell phones, but also our teenage daughter’s. We are able to not only track the locations, but also see the sex offenders in the area. So, if I am driving home late and God forbid something happens to me, my husband will be able to track exactly where I am and take immediate action.
My relatives often crack jokes and label our app as “stalking” software, nevertheless I find great value in this little tool. They have said they don’t need nor want their spouse to have knowledge of their every move. What they don’t realize is this isn’t a system we use every minute of every day and more importantly neither of us have anything to hide. If he wanted to, my husband could track my every step; I am never anyplace he doesn’t already know I am going to. In my opinion it is simply a modernized version of “checking in” with your spouse.
My loved ones’ reaction made me curious about other couples’ opinions. I found that there are a few friends who do feel the need to “check-in” with their spouse and find this app very useful. While there are still those others who cringe at the idea of their spouse having that much insight or information into their lives. They want to maintain a certain level of independence. For me, my husband knowing where I am doesn’t affect my independence at all, it does, however, create security and confirms the level of trust we share.
It is a personal preference and works for some. I can say that ours works well for us.
BMWK, what are your thoughts on checking in and the use of tracking applications in your relationship?
What’s the name of the app?
It’s called Life 360.
If you have nothing to hide, (which I don’t–Lol), I think it’s a great idea! We live in Chicago and we have a no relatives here, so we rely heavily on each other especially having too small children. So if something were to happen, he would already know where I am, because there are not very many people that I could call if I were in a jam and would actually come right away to check on me or our children. If you have a good relationship with your spouse and its used appropriately, then I don’t think it’s stalking software! But, I can see how others can joke about the app, it’s kinda funny, but actually a necessity especially these days!
Wendy, I agree.
Wendy, I agree! In speaking with Tiya about the article and the app earlier today, I concluded that this app is for people who trust each other and not the other way around.
The biggest benefit is knowing how close Tiya is to arriving home so I know approximately when to get off the couch and make it look like I’ve been somewhat productive all day…it’s a lazy man’s best friend.
lol Ken you are crazy 4 real.. but you have a good point.
Tiya this is a very good article, And some very good points on life 360. I would love to get that app for every one in our home. Every time I come on here there is always an article teaching me. O and tell your peoples to stop hateing on you and Ken love lol. Keep up the good work.
Thank you Ashley! I am so happy that you are getting value. You are right, they are hating and Ken is crazy for real, for real! Lol
That’s a brilliant answer to an inntiesertg question