If you’ve ever felt like your partner is hiding your relationship, you may be familiar with the term “ghosting.”
This is a term used in psychology to describe a situation where one person in a relationship hides the other from their close circle of friends, family, or social media followers.
Ghosting your partner can make you feel insecure and question your partner’s intentions. You may wonder why they seem reluctant to fully include you in their life.
Understanding the subtle signs of ghosting can be difficult. But according to psychology, there are some clear signs that your partner may be hiding your relationship.
Being aware of these signs can help you navigate this complex situation.
1) They avoid introducing you to important people in their life
This may be one of the most telling signs that your partner may be “ghosting” you.
If you’ve been together for a while, but you’re still a stranger to their friends, family, or even coworkers, it’s worth asking yourself why.
For example, they may keep finding excuses about why it’s not a good time to meet their parents or friends.
Or maybe they’re always hesitant to invite you to social gatherings where you might meet important people in their lives.
While everyone has their schedule when it comes to introducing their partner to their circle, constant avoidance could be a red flag. It could indicate that they’re trying to keep you separate from the rest of their life.
It’s fair and reasonable to want to acknowledge you as an important part of your partner’s life. If they’re constantly shunning opportunities for you to meet their loved ones, it might be time to have a conversation about this.
2) They Share Too Much About You on Social Media
Surprisingly, oversharing on social media can also be a sign of embezzlement.
While it may seem counterintuitive to the traditional idea of embezzlement, consider this:
Oversharing on social media could be a way for your partner to control the narrative of your relationship.
For example, they may frequently post photos or updates of the two of you, but they only depict certain aspects of the relationship.
You might notice that these posts are more about showing off than sharing real moments of connection. Or maybe they’re always keen on taking selfies, but they’re reluctant to include you in more important parts of their lives.
This could mean that they’re maintaining a certain image or nurturing a persona. This allows them to show everyone that they’re in a relationship without having to involve you in their daily lives or introduce you to important people.
Remember, a healthy relationship isn’t defined by the number of social media posts, but by the genuine integration and mutual respect in each other’s lives.
3) They’re Often Unavailable or Unreachable
If your partner is constantly hard to reach or often cancels plans at the last minute, this could be another subtle sign of fraud.
In a healthy relationship, both partners make an effort to spend quality time together and keep the lines of communication open.
However, if your partner is always busy, often goes hours without responding to texts, or often cancels plans, this could indicate that they’re not prioritizing your relationship.
Even though you’re in a relationship, it can feel like you’re in a long-distance relationship without the geographical separation.
Interestingly, people who engage in pocketing behavior may do so as a defense mechanism.
Avoidant attachment style refers to those who value their independence and often fear commitment or emotional intimacy.
They may engage in behaviors like pocketing to maintain their sense of independence while maintaining a romantic connection.
Being aware of these patterns can help you understand where your partner is coming from and open up a conversation about your needs and expectations in the relationship.
4) He doesn’t include you in plans
It’s normal for a relationship to start thinking about the future, whether it’s planning a vacation, attending a wedding, or simply envisioning life in the future.
If your partner seems to avoid including you in their plans, it could be another sign of pocketing.
Maybe they talk vaguely about the future or change the subject when you bring up potential plans. Or maybe they make important decisions without consulting you, like booking a trip or moving to a new place.
It can be painful and confusing when the person you’re interested in doesn’t seem to envision a future together.
But remember, this isn’t a reflection of your worth or desire. It’s about them and their readiness for a committed relationship.
5) They Avoid Deep Conversations
While it’s perfectly normal for some people to open up more slowly than others, consistently avoiding honest discussions can be another sign of being stuck.
Let’s say you want to talk about where the relationship is headed, or you want to share your feelings about something important. But every time you try, your partner shifts the conversation to more superficial topics.
This can leave you feeling like you’re stuck on the superficial end of the relationship, unable to move forward.
But don’t be too hard on yourself. Everyone has their own pace when it comes to opening up emotionally, and it’s important not to force these conversations.
But if your partner is frequently avoiding intimate discussions, it may be worth discussing this issue with them, as open and honest communication is key in any relationship.
6) Vague about your emotional state
Have you ever tried to understand where you stand with someone and found their responses vague?
If your partner avoids labeling your relationship or is unclear about where things are headed, it could be another sign of fraud.
I once dated someone who would always refer to me as a “friend” when we were with others, despite our romantic involvement. This left me feeling uncertain and confused about the state of our relationship.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, you’re not alone.
It’s completely normal to want clarity and commitment in a relationship, but if your partner is constantly vague about your emotional state, it may be time to have an open and honest conversation about what you both want from the relationship.
7) Never Be His Friend
When special occasions come up—whether it’s a wedding, a corporate party, or a family gathering—and your partner is constantly left alone, it’s time to pause and take stock.
If you’re never his Friend, despite being in a relationship, it could be another sign of “letting go.”
It’s hard to believe, but the truth is that being left out of important events in your partner’s life could be a sign that he’s not ready to acknowledge your place in them.
As much as it hurts, you deserve someone proud to have you by his side, no matter the occasion.
8) Your Instincts Are Telling You
Finally, the most important thing to remember is this: trust your instincts.
If something feels off in your relationship, pay attention to it.
You may be able to relate to some or all of these signs, or maybe just a few. But if you’re constantly feeling like you’re being “used,” it’s worth taking a hard look at your relationship.
Your feelings are valid, and it’s important to communicate them to your partner. A healthy, fulfilling relationship involves mutual respect, open communication, and a willingness to share your life.
If you feel like you’re being kept in the dark most of the time, it’s time to trust your gut and address the issue.
You deserve to be in a relationship where you feel valued, respected, and fully included in each other’s lives.
Final Thoughts
Recognizing the signs of “exploitation” can be difficult.
But remember, understanding these signs is the first step toward gaining clarity in your relationship.
This article is here to provide you with insight and help you discern if “cheating” is happening in your relationship.
But ultimately, the power lies with you to decide what to do with this information.
The time you spend cultivating a happy, healthy relationship is never wasted.
