Pocketing could also indicate that your partner might not be serious about the relationship.
While it’s normal to keep somethings private, if your partner continues to keep you a secret even after a long time, it can be a red flag.
Meeting your partner’s friends and family for the first time can be exciting as well as make you nervous. You want to make a good impression with your partner’s kin without looking too eager. But if your partner never initiates meeting their loved ones or making a public appearance, you may be the victim of a new dating trend known as, pocketing. This happens when someone you’re dating keeps you hidden and makes no effort to introduce you to their social circle. It’s like being kept in a secret spot where only they know you exist. While it’s normal to keep somethings private, if your partner continues to keep you a secret even after a long time, it can be a red flag.
Speaking to USA Today, relationship expert Susan Winter explains, “(Pocketers) may fear what others think of you, so there’s this sense of shame around dating you. They may fear your social standing or education isn’t up to the standards of their crowd, leading to this feeling of ‘Why am I not good enough?’”
She further adds, “A real relationship should be out in the open. It’s abnormal to sequester somebody you’re dating, because when people get into a relationship and really care for somebody, they will want to integrate them into their lives. If they’re hiding you for fear of judgement from others, you should move on.”
Pocketing could also indicate that your partner might not be serious about the relationship. If you think you might be in this situation, it’s important to communicate with your partner to understand their perspective and get clarity.
In this article, we’ll explore some key signs that might indicate your partner is pocketing you.
They Only Prefer Private Time – Your partner might insist on spending time together in private or quiet places. They make excuses to skip gatherings, double dates, or casual meet-ups with friends. While it’s normal to enjoy quality time alone, a healthy relationship involves sharing experiences with others.
You’re Invisible on Social Media – When your relationship is kept away from social media, it’s another sign of pocketing. If you’re not featured in their photos or tagged in posts, and if they ask you not to share pictures, this could signal that they’re not ready to make the relationship public. They might also refuse to update their relationship status, even if you’ve been together for a long time.
Avoiding talks about friends and family – If your partner avoids discussing or introducing you to their close circle, this could be concerning. They might change the subject or make you feel uncomfortable for asking.
4 They make you feel like a stranger in public- While they may display signs of affection in private, your partner may try to ignore you in public if they’re pocketting you. They may intentionally try to look aloof, and uninterested.
5 They Never Include You in Plans – They won’t makes plans that include you or talk about future activities that would include you. This hesitancy to not mix you into their social life can suggest that you’re not a priority in their life.
