In today’s social media world, many influencers and everyday people think twice before sharing their relationships online. Take Tawana Musvaburi, for instance. With over 33,000 Instagram followers, most have never seen her boyfriend’s face. Instead, her posts feature subtle hints of her partner—a hand here, clinking glasses there. Tawana believes showcasing her relationship could undermine her independence. “I want to show that I’ve got my life together on my own,” she says.
Tawana’s approach reflects a broader trend among women who are cautious about posting their relationships. A recent article in British Vogue titled Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now? points out this shift. Writer Chante Joseph notes that women now want the benefits of a partner—like love and support—without appearing overly dependent. Sharing too much, she argues, can feel “cringe” or even “loser-ish.”
This hesitance isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about avoiding societal judgments too. Influencers like Stephanie Yeboah have faced backlash for being in a relationship. After posting her boyfriend, she lost around 1,000 followers. She admits she understands why people find frequent relationship content excessive.
Dr. Gillian Brooks, a marketing expert at King’s College London, explains why influencers may keep their partners off social media: it’s about maintaining a specific brand identity. “They sell a distinct aesthetic,” she says. Straying from that could alienate their followers.
Many users express a desire for privacy. Milly, 25, feels that sharing too much could make her appear reliant on her partner. “I don’t want my relationship to define me,” she shares. Similarly, Charlotte, 20, believes relationships should be private, stating they’re “more personal than friendship.”
Beliefs about relationships also play a role. Athera, 21, mentions the concept of the “evil eye,” a superstition that holds that bad intentions can harm loved ones. She avoids posting her boyfriend to protect their relationship from negative energy.
Social psychologist Dr. Gwendolyn Seidman adds another layer. She studies how relationships are portrayed online. “Sharing personal moments comes with anxiety,” she notes, as people worry about online permanence. “Once it’s out there, it’s hard to take back.”
This growing trend of discretion shows a shift in how relationships are navigated in the digital space. Today, many prefer to keep their romantic lives low-key, focusing on authenticity, independence, and personal privacy.
In a world where everything feels permanent, the decision to share—or not share—becomes even more significant. As these conversations continue, the social landscape around relationships will undoubtedly evolve further.
