Relationships are meant to be a celebration of love, trust, and transparency. Unfortunately, some people have taken to hiding their partners from the world and engaging in a new trend called Relationship Stashing.

This act not only severely damages the self-esteem of the person being hidden, but it also undermines the foundation of the relationship. If you’re wondering if your partner is hiding you, this article will show you what to look for and how to deal with the situation.

What is Relationship Stashing?

Relationship Stashing is a term used to mean hiding a partner from family, friends, and social media. It is a toxic act that places the significant other in a bubble of secrecy, making them feel undervalued, insignificant, and isolated.

The act is often perpetrated by individuals who are not sure about the future of the relationship, fear social scrutiny, or simply enjoy the secrecy.

Why Do People Engage in Relationship Stashing?

There are several reasons why people might engage in Relationship Stashing, including;.

Fear of Social Scrutiny

In today’s world, social media and society have a significant impact on how people view relationships. The fear of being judged or scrutinized can drive individuals to hide their partners.

Built-In Escape Plan

Some people engage in this act to protect their hearts, knowing full well that this relationship might not last. The less people know about their partner, the less embarrassed they will be if the relationship falls apart.

They are Cheating

Cheating partners often hide their significant others, so they can continue to live a double life. They don’t want to get caught, so they keep the primary relationship shrouded in secrecy.

How to Know If Your Partner is Hiding You

Relationship Stashing is a tricky behavior to detect because it often starts with subtle cues. Here are some red flags that could indicate that your partner is hiding you;.

Lack of Pictures of You as a Couple

If you’ve been dating for a while and your partner hasn’t posted any pictures of you, that is a red flag. It could mean that they don’t want people to know about the relationship.

Avoiding Social Situations with You

If your partner always makes excuses when you invite them to social events, that could be an indication that they’re hiding something. They might use work, family, or other obligations to justify the avoidance.

Avoiding Public Displays of Affection

If your partner avoids touching, hugging, holding hands, or kissing you in public, that’s a red flag. It could mean that they’re trying to avoid being spotted with you.

Don’t Introduce You to Friends or Family

If your partner refuses to introduce you to their friends or family, that’s a big red flag. It could mean that they’re trying to keep the relationship hidden.

Not Available on Social Media

If your partner doesn’t have any pictures of you as a couple on their social media, it could indicate that they don’t want people to know about the relationship.

If they’ve never changed their relationship status from ‘single’ to ‘in a relationship,’ that could be another sign that they’re hiding you.

How to Deal with Being Hidden in a Relationship

If you’ve identified that your partner is hiding you, don’t panic. Here are some steps that you can take to deal with the situation;.

Have a Conversation

Sit down with your partner and express your concerns. Don’t be confrontational, but let them know how you feel about the situation. Your partner might not even be aware that their actions are hurting you.

Identify the Root Cause of the Behavior

Ask your partner why they’re hiding you from their friends and family. Understanding their motivation will help you determine if you can work through the problem together.

If the root cause is something that can be fixed, work on fixing it together.

Consider Ending the Relationship

If your partner refuses to change, you may have to consider ending the relationship. Being in a relationship with someone who’s actively hiding you from the world is emotionally draining and can severely damage your self-esteem.

Conclusion

Relationships should be a source of joy and love, not secrecy and isolation. If your partner is hiding you, it’s essential to address the problem right away. Don’t let Relationship Stashing destroy the foundation of your relationship.