Why using social networking sites to vent anger about your partner might bring the relationship to a swift end.

Betrayal has taken on a new face as couples in Lincolnshire turn to social networking sites to vent frustrations about their relationships.

Local relationship counsellor Denise Pickup says more and more people are turning to electronic platforms to give voice to their relationship problems and is urging couples across the county to be thoughtful about what they write.

“Facebook and social networking have become the modern face of betrayal,” she explained.

“The thing with Facebook, Internet chat rooms and things like that, is that whatever you write down is permanent and can cause an awful lot of hurt.

“It is particularly insidious in that it is so public. The betrayal of trust and intimacy is in black and white for the whole world to see, as if the person’s social life is more important than their inner life.

“Generally, couples betray each other because of something they might not even be aware of. They might have felt let down, left out, or second best.

“Sometimes, coming back with an attack, like addressing the problem on a social networking site, can be an attempt to address the balance.

“I know social networking can be fast, furious and instant, but sometimes people just need to sit down and think carefully about what’s going on.

“If you are hurt in any way, it’s better to say so, rather than putting an attack on a website. Address any problems you may have, as relationships are about feelings, not fact.

“Facebook is a way to give a quick slap and it’s a bit like putting people in the stocks. It’s very public, whereas relationships are about being one-to-one.”

Despite this, the problem has not yet led to divorce.

Chrystal Theofanous, of Lincoln-based Sills and Betteridge Solicitors, said the firm had clients complaining of problems arising from social networking sites but th had not yet been the sole reason for a divorce or a domestic split.

“Social networking sites have become a factor and we have had some legal disputes rising out of them,” she said.

“However, I don’t think they have yet become a major factor in domestic or cohabitation disputes.”