When it comes to understanding and navigating relationships, it’s safe to say that humans have only scratched the surface.

And while some relationship dynamics can be pretty straightforward – like healthy communication or the concept of “love languages” – others can be much more difficult to navigate.

In recent years, a new and troubling trend emerged in the dating world: stashing. Stashing is a term used to describe someone who hides their partner from the rest of their life – hiding their relationship away as if it doesn’t exist.

It’s an action that can be both frustrating and hurtful, but it’s also often difficult to recognize and understand.

What is Stashing?

Stashing is a term you may have heard used in reference to a new dating trend. Stashing refers to when someone in a relationship decides to hide their romantic partner away from the rest of their life.

Essentially, they keep their relationship a secret from the people they know and love- friends, family, colleagues, etc. In many cases, it’s not simply that they avoid mentioning their partner; it’s that they actively withhold information and keep them out of sight altogether.

Some common stashing tactics include:.

Never introducing their partner to friends or family members, even after being together for a long time.
Hiding photos of their partner from public or social media profiles.
Refusing to acknowledge or advertise a relationship in any public way, such as declining to change their relationship status on Facebook.

Stashing can be a hurtful experience for someone who is being hidden away. It can cause them to feel like their partner is ashamed of them or that their relationship isn’t legitimate.

The act of stashing can also cause a lot of confusion and uncertainty about where the relationship is heading, which can trigger anxiety and insecurity in the person being stashed.

Why do People Stash?

There are a number of different reasons why someone might choose to stash their partner away. Some common reasons include:.

They’re not ready to be in a serious relationship, but they don’t want to be alone.
They’re not sure if the relationship is going to last, and they don’t want to deal with the fallout if it doesn’t.
They’re already in a committed relationship with someone else and are trying to keep that relationship a secret.
They’re ashamed of their partner for some reason (such as the way they look or behave) and don’t want others to judge them.
They’re trying to play the field and keep their options open in case someone “better” comes along.

Whatever the reason, stashing is almost always a sign of deeper issues within the relationship.

While the person who is doing the stashing may not be consciously aware of their motivations, it’s clear that they are prioritizing something other than the health and happiness of their partner.

How to Recognize if You’re Being Stashed

Stashing can be a confusing and frustrating experience, especially if you’re not sure whether or not it’s actually happening to you. Here are some signs that you might be the victim of stashing:.

Your partner never wants to hang out with your friends or meet your family members.
Your partner is vague about what they’re doing when you’re not together, and never provides any details.
Your partner avoids talking about your future together and never plans for long-term goals as a couple.
Your partner never mentions you on their social media profiles or shows any other public acknowledgement of your relationship.
You find out your partner is lying to other people about their relationship status.

If any of these things are happening to you, it’s important to bring up your concerns with your partner.

You don’t need to accuse them of stashing you, but it’s important to express how you’re feeling and what you’d like to see change in the relationship. If your partner is unwilling to make any changes, it may be time to reevaluate whether or not this relationship is right for you.

How to Handle Being Stashed

If you’ve determined that you’re being stashed by your partner, it’s important to take action. Here are some steps you can take:.

Communicate your concerns: Talk to your partner about how you feel and why you’d like them to acknowledge your relationship publicly. Be clear and direct about what you need to feel valued and loved in the relationship.
Set boundaries: Let your partner know what you’re not okay with (like being excluded from their social circle or secretive behavior) and what you won’t tolerate in the future. It’s important to be firm about what you expect from a partner so that you’re not left hanging.
Consider ending the relationship: If your partner doesn’t respect your boundaries or refuses to change their behavior, it may be time to end the relationship and move on. Remember, you deserve to be with someone who values and respects you.

Conclusion

Stashing is a serious issue that often goes unrecognized in relationships. If you suspect that you’re being stashed, it’s important to communicate your concerns to your partner and take action to set boundaries.

Remember, you deserve to be with someone who values and respects you.