"Hidden in Plain Sight: Why Your Boyfriend Might Be Hiding You on Social Media"

"I couldn't help but wonder…" is there anything more disheartening than being hidden away like last season's fashion? You know the feeling—when your boyfriend won't let you tag him in photos, doesn't post pictures of you two together, and stays silent in the comments when you're looking drop-dead gorgeous in that new dress. Today, during a photo session, a colleague from the set spilled the tea about her friend's mysterious boyfriend who kept her off his social media radar. And let's just say, it was like watching an episode of *Unsolved Mysteries*—minus the dramatic music.

Now, before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let me just say: I've been there. I once met a guy who I was convinced was single because, well, his social media was a barren wasteland of solitary selfies and pictures of mountains. Fast forward a few weeks, and surprise! He'd had a girlfriend for three years. Three. Whole. Years. And not a single trace of her anywhere. When I found out, I felt terrible for the girl, but more than that, I was baffled. Why would anyone accept being treated like a skeleton in the closet instead of a proud partner?

It's one thing to be private, and believe me, I'm all for keeping some things just for you and your partner. But there's a big difference between private and secret. As I always say, "Private but not secret." If your boyfriend acts like you're his best-kept secret, that's a red flag big enough to wrap yourself in on a chilly winter's night. So, let's unpack this. Why is it problematic when your boyfriend hides you on social media? First off, it sends a message that he's not as invested in the relationship as you are. Social media, like it or not, is the modern-day public square. It's where we share our lives, our achievements, and yes, our relationships. When your partner doesn't include you in that part of their life, it creates a power imbalance. You're putting yourself out there, while he's keeping his cards close to his chest—and that's not how a partnership should work.

Secondly, by accepting this kind of treatment, we unknowingly give them the green light to continue. We teach people how to treat us, and by allowing ourselves to be hidden away, we're essentially saying, "This is okay." But here's the kicker: it's not. Not by a long shot. What often happens is that they'll stay with you until someone else comes along—someone who wouldn't stand for that kind of behavior—and suddenly, they're the ones plastered all over his Instagram, while you're left wondering where you went wrong.

But let's be clear, it's not just about a few tagged photos or the absence of couple selfies. It's about recognition. When your partner acknowledges you on social media, they're saying to the world, "This is the person I choose to be with." It's a small but significant way of validating your relationship. And while we shouldn't need that validation to feel secure, it sure does feel good to know your partner is as proud to be with you as you are with them.

So, ladies, let's stop letting ourselves be hidden away like some guilty pleasure. If your boyfriend isn't willing to recognize you on social media, it's time to ask yourself why. Are you okay with being his best-kept secret, or do you deserve to be someone's public declaration? The answer, of course, is the latter.

As the ever-inspiring Maya Angelou once said,"Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option." We deserve partners who are proud to stand by our side, in real life and online. After all, love should be celebrated, not hidden.

And I couldn't help but wonder: If he's hiding you now, what else might he be hiding?