Whenever Raj and Anita Deshmukh wish to make their weekend worthwhile, they do it by surfing jointly. They believe in passing their free time constructively, and find that the Web gives them ample topics and issues for discussion. Both are avid readers, and find the Net a refreshing change from books and magazines.

Since both are passionate about travel, they regularly visit sites discussing exotic locations to plan their next holiday: "We grow together intellectually," says Raj, who is a college lecturer, "And seeing how our views and choices match increases the bond between us."

Anita adds: "Interestingly, joint surfing also helps in the expression of various emotions which otherwise remain veiled. For instance, when we came across certain gory photographs and news of barbarism in Gujarat during the recent carnage, Raj was so upset and angry - that was the first time I saw that side of him."

Getting the best out of the Internet is what Maneela and Mahesh Verma aim at. They use it to upgrade their knowledge on parenting, home finance, interior decoration and gardening: "When we wanted to buy a flat we logged on and browsed sites like sampatti.com, indiaproperties.com, etc. to know more about finance and related details." Purchasing a house is a major joint-decision; And fittingly, it was done through surfing jointly.

"Before the advent of the Net, my hubby and me preferred to read as many books as possible on right parenting," says Mahesh whose two children are now teenagers, "We would read magazines and journals in turn and then spend endless time discussing the issues with each other. Now that we surf together, the discussion takes place simultaneously. Arriving at the same opinion together brings about smoothness in a relationship."

Shraddha and Jayant Bhave, a young couple from Bangalore, share a lot of laughs: "We strongly believe that laughter cements bonds. We both log on and read jokes, humourous pieces, light-hearted anecdotes, etc. Often we add our own versions after the punch line and laugh even more heartily," says Jayant. Even when it comes to serious topics, the couple sends across joint comments and views to several blogs.

"Besides, we recommend sites and forward jokes and cartoons to common friends," adds Shraddha, "We sometimes check horoscopes and mach our kundalis that appear on astrological sites. It's interesting to find different predictions about our marriage and future on different sites."

But the idea of surfing together isn't everybody's cup of tea. It requires both people to have similar opinions and choices. And this is not always the case. Prakash Sharma, who works for a finance firm considers browsing to be a solitary activity and detests the idea of sharing his time online.

"My wife surfs separately as we have different areas of interest," he says, "She mainly checks family or women-oriented portals, while I have a technical bent of mind and also like visiting news sites and gauging the latest trends in business and commerce. I hate any interference as I click and check sites as per my mood." As for spending time with his wife, Prakash cites activities like watching TV or going on a picnic as better options. "When it comes to Net surfing, to each his own."

Joint surfing can strike a discordant note. Just ask Sanghamitra from Pune: "Each time my husband and I tried surfing together we'd stop after a short period, as the sites that I'd browse never interested him." Minor differences of opinion can ignite heated arguments. Also, if one partner likes to check a variety of sites quickly while the other wishes to spend time leisurely visiting just a few sites in-depth, the experience will not be a harmonious one.

Only by keeping in view the interest of your partner and by being patient, can a couple enjoy while surfing jointly. And that's just the way things clicked for Sharon and Bernard Rodrigues: "As a newly married couple, we have completely different interests. But being online together, at the same terminal, has helped us conceive a liking for each other's pet topics. This has increased our understanding of each other, as we have more common ground to tread upon," says Sharon, while Bernard jokes: "It has also taught us to co-ordinate well and get along better - Something we would otherwise have needed a marriage counselor for!"

Also Read: -- Net helps dispersed families bond -- Losing friends made difficult -- Is online sex destroying your marriage?

Feedback Name Email characters left Comment