Going public with your significant other might sound like the dream: walking into the spotlight with a VIP pass. Still, it is not as easy as hitting that “post” option on social media. Before you make your romance an open book, take a look at these serious considerations that will ensure you are ready for the spotlight—and the possible problems it can bring along.
1. Evaluate How Secure Your Relationship Is
First and foremost, make sure your relationship is stable and secure before going public. Are you both committed and prepared for the added attention and possible judgment? Ensure you are both on the same page regarding the public aspect of your relationship.
2. Consider the Impact on Your Privacy
Going public means letting go of some privacy. Will both of you be comfortable knowing that your relationship is out there for all to see? Sometimes consider how much personal information you’re willing to let out and how it might affect your daily life.
3. Understand the Pressure of Perception
When your relationship goes public, people will likely view you as the ‘goals,’ and this may exert some pressure on you to act like one. Be prepared for looking and acting perfect, and remember, ordinary moments are pretty real that don’t always go hand in hand with what the public expects of you.
4. Prepare for Public Scrutiny
Once you’re public, your relationship will be under the microscope. Get ready for questions, opinions, and even criticism from people who may not understand the whole situation. Discuss with your partner how to handle any negative opinions that at least one of you may get.
5. Be Ready for Unsolicited Advice
The moment you make your relationship public, be prepared for advice from every corner; many times, people might not understand your dynamic. Be ready to handle such advice and concentrate on what works best for you as a couple.
6. Handle Expectations and Pressures
Publicizing your relationship can bring along with it a lot of pressure in the form of unrealistic expectations from other people regarding the perfection of your relationship. Be real about the ups and downs you go through and manage the expectations by being real rather than idealistic about your relationship.
7. Handle Public Drama with Care
Every petty thing becomes public once your relationship is out. Prepare to handle public drama and keep private conflicts hidden to avoid unnecessary stress and speculations.
8. Discuss How to Handle Exes
Going public can bring exes into the scenario, either directly or even through social media. Discuss with your partner how to deal with such meetings or remarks that may pop up from past relationships.
9. Keep Some Moments Private
Keep some private even when you go public. Often, the moments spent with your partner are so dear and intimate; such moments are often best kept between you and your partner rather than publicly shared.
10. Consider How Well-Timed Your Decision Is
Timing: Consider the timing of your announcement. Is this a good time for both of you, or might you feel more secure or sure of the future of your relationship if you do this later? Timing affects how the public announcement will be taken.
Ultimately, it’s all about going public, which is pretty much a personal decision. It can be exciting to let the world know about one’s love, but be mindful of weighing possible setbacks and impacts associated with your relationship. Not paying attention to the strength in a connection of two that makes them happy but rather paying attention to the attention and validation from others.
