It’s as if being official on Facebook means they’re more committed to you than they would be otherwise. It’s a silly thought, and yet, many people think it’s true. Some people actually put so much faith in checking off a specific box that they’ll even end something great with a person who doesn’t want to put it on Facebook. For obvious reasons, this is super harmful to their love life. [Read: 15 things to remember about how Facebook ruins relationships]

Does your Facebook relationship status even matter?

The short answer: no. In the long run, whether or not you’re Facebook official with someone doesn’t make a difference at all.

If you’re the type who thinks a Facebook relationship status is important, there are some reasons for that. However, you should know why it doesn’t ultimately matter. Here’s why you care and why you shouldn’t.

Why it might matter more to you

You might be the type who really cares a lot about having your relationship Facebook official. Do you know why that is, though? These are a few reasons having your relationship confirmed on Facebook might mean a little more to you. [Read: Is your guy ready for a Facebook official relationship?]

#1 You need the extra security. If you struggle with low self-esteem or a lack of confidence, you might find some extra security in making your relationship Facebook official. For some reason, having that public commitment makes you feel better about your partner staying loyal.

Being the type to rely heavily on your partner posting cute pictures of the two of you and needing to have a relationship official on social media to be happy isn’t healthy. If you feel really strongly about your Facebook relationships status being marked, it could be a problem down the road.

#2 You care a lot about what other people think. If you really care about your public image, having your relationship Facebook official will mean more to you. You want to make sure everyone knows you’re with that person. This isn’t really all that bad but it’s definitely a reason you care more about the status update. [Read: How to stop giving a damn about what other people think]

#3 You’re the type who feels love by public displays. There are many different forms of love to give and receive. You could be the type of person who feels cared for by compliments or the type who love physical affection.

There’s also the type of person who feels most loved when their partner is being affectionate in public. That means a Facebook relationship status will mean more to you than it does to other people. In this case, it’s fine as long as you discuss it with your significant other.

Why it doesn’t matter in the long run

Ultimately, having your Facebook relationship status confirm you’re with someone doesn’t matter. It can be a cute thing to have, but it’s not necessary and here’s why.

#1 Your partner’s loyalty doesn’t depend on Facebook. The fact that some people gain a sense of security from having their partner confirm their relationship on Facebook is just silly. It literally does nothing.

They’ll be loyal if they’re a good person. If they’re not, then they won’t be. A Facebook relationship status won’t make a difference and therefore, it doesn’t really matter. [Read: 5 unique traits that make a person trustworthy]

#2 The measure of their feelings should be shown in person. It’s really unhealthy to get in the habit of measuring your partner’s affection based on their social media interactions with you. It’s not good at all.

How they feel about you should be evident when you’re together. It doesn’t really matter how they treat you on Facebook unless they’re being bad to you. Their actions in person are what truly matter.

#3 People who know you will know you’re with someone. Your relationship status on Facebook is supposed to let other people know you’re with someone. Won’t they know that anyway? If they’re your friends, they’ll already be aware because you’ll have posted pictures or told them.

So what’s the point of the status? It really makes no difference in your relationship if you have it there or not. People will know you’re with someone based on the fact that you’re seen with them. [Read: How to prove that you love someone the right way]

#4 It can actually cause problems. There’s actually a negative impact the Facebook relationship status could have on the two of you. If one of you is overly sensitive about the other not wanting it to be Facebook official, you can get into pointless arguments. Recognize that it doesn’t serve a purpose so you can both be happy as you are.

#5 Some people don’t even notice it. Truthfully, some people don’t even look at the relationship status. They don’t even pay attention to it. So does it even matter then?

There are very few people who see, comment, or like the change in your relationship status. Fretting over it will only bring negativity into your relationship. Therefore, it shouldn’t matter. [Read: 13 clues that will tell you if she’s single or taken]

#6 It doesn’t have any significance to your relationship. Unless you met on Facebook, making your relationship Facebook official won’t be significant. What’s the point? It’s just for the public to see that you’re not single. [Read: Facebook dating – Can you have a real relationship only online?]

But Facebook isn’t a dating site so why should that matter on a social profile? It doesn’t make your relationship any better or provide anything special. And that just goes to show it really doesn’t matter much.

#7 The quality of your relationship doesn’t tie into Facebook. Or any other form of social media. Just because you’re official on Facebook doesn’t mean your relationship is better than someone else’s. That’s why it’s kind of pointless. It doesn’t really serve a real purpose for your relationship.

Updating your Facebook relationship status won’t change your relationship in the slightest. It really doesn’t matter in the long run and focusing on it might actually make things worse.