Partners sometimes choose not to make their relationship public for a variety of reasons, ranging from privacy to cultural differences.
However, there are situations when one person has no qualms with revealing their partner to the rest of the world, while the other is not ready and makes purposeful attempts to conceal the relationship, even if it means making one feel invisible.
Many people who want to be acknowledged in their partner’s network but end up feeling ignored and abandoned can be frustrated by this toxic dating trend. While short-term pocketing might be tolerated, long-term pocketing can ruin a relationship.
This could also indicate that the other person is not serious about you, has trust issues, or is cheating on you. As a result, it’s critical to look into the facts behind pocketing. (Also see: Is your ex stalking you on social media? 5 ingenious ways to get them to stop)
Pocketing, also known as stashing, is a source of anxiety in any relationship. It happens when someone, despite dating for a long time, fails to introduce their partner to others
Pocketing, also known as stashing, is a source of anxiety in any relationship. It happens when someone, despite dating for a long time, fails to introduce their partner to others.
“Any partnership should be concerned about pocketing or stashing. “It happens when someone fails to introduce their partner to others despite dating for a long time,” explains Dr. Chandni Tugnait, M.D.
\(Alternative Medicines), Psychotherapist, Life Coach, Business Coach, NLP Expert, Healer, Founder & Director – Gateway of Healing.
“If your partner talks less about their friends, avoids introducing you at social gatherings, or appears unwilling or nervous to take you out with coworkers, it could be a sign that they are secretly stealing from you.”
These are apparent warning signs that your partner is not taking the relationship seriously or is embarrassed to introduce you to their closest friends.
People who incorporate close friends and family members into their relationships quickly are more open about their intentions and the course of the connection.
On the other hand, folks who frequently avoid being seen with someone — even if they sincerely love them — may be hesitant to take chances and commit to their relationships.
As a result, pocketing carries some high expectations and virtually shouts underlying concerns within relationship dynamics that are frequently worth examining before things hit an unfavorable standstill.
If you have any concerns about your partner’s damaging behavior, you must discuss them with him or her. “It can be very enlightening to let them know how their actions make you feel,” adds Dr. Chandni.
They’re not ready for commitment
Some people may pocket because they are unwilling to commit to a serious relationship or are afraid of making it public.
They may appreciate their partner’s company, but they must also be comfortable sharing their personal lives with others. They can be fearful of committing too soon and subsequently regretting it.
Fear of judgment
Another reason people may indulge in pocketing is that they are afraid of being judged by their family and friends. They may be concerned that their loved ones may reject their spouse for a variety of reasons, such as religious, racial, or social issues.
They are noticing other people
individuals may pocket their spouse if they are seeing other individuals at the same time. They may not want their other partners to discover their relationship, so they keep it hidden.
Avoiding conflict
In some circumstances, people pocket because they are afraid that disclosing their relationship may generate controversy within their social group or family.
To avoid a conflict, someone dating outside of their religion may choose not to notify their parents.
Maintaining control
Pocketing someone can be a subtle type of manipulation and control since it places power in the hands of the person doing the pocketing.
They may wish to keep their partners to themselves and not share them with others, which is a red flag in a relationship and implies deeper trust and control difficulties.
“It is natural in a relationship to want to be publicly acknowledged by your partner and engaged in their life as an equal.
A partner who engages in pocketing is most usually not malicious, but rather attempts to conceal the relationship from people closest to them.
This type of behavior is frequently detrimental since it demonstrates a lack of commitment and can lead to mistrust and insecurity in the relationship.
Inform your companion if you notice any evidence of pocketing. “Authentic communication can go a long way toward building and nurturing relationships,” Dr. Chandni says.