Your significant other could be ‘pocketing' you — and you might not even realize it
Today's digital dating world is full of flaky, non-committal people. And unfortunately, what comes with that is a sea of single people dating someone they have a connection with, but keeping it a secret.
If you have a hunch that your lover is purposely not posting you on their Instagram feed, not bringing you along to Aunt Debbie's birthday party, or avoiding you meeting their friends — they're most likely 'pocketing' you.
While it's hurtful to be on the receiving end of this, experts say being pocketed is not always something personal against you.
Advertisement
Experts say there are a variety of reasons why someone might be 'pocketing' you.
georgerudy – stock.adobe.com
'While pocketing can be frustrating and hurt the trust in a relationship, there are plenty of reasons why someone is pocketing,' Amanda E. White, LPC told Women's Health in an interview.
'It could be out of fear, it could be because of past relationships that didn't work out. It doesn't necessarily mean that they're not into you or that the relationship has no hope.'
Advertisement
As contrary as it sounds, 'Dr. Chloe' Carmichael told the outlet that sometimes, if someone is holding out on bringing the person they're dating into their world, it could be because they like them and aren't sure how best to handle their feelings.
'…sometimes people really just want to tread lightly while a relationship is in a new or delicate stage,' Dr. Carmichael explains.
On the other hand, you could also be dating someone who wants to be sneaky and act single so they could date around.
That seems to be the case for one woman who shared her conflicting pocketing situation on Reddit to seek advice from strangers.
Advertisement
'[My boyfriend and I] have been together for 4 years, live together, and have talked about many future plans,' the OP wrote.
'We are, on paper, a secure long-term couple. But my boyfriend confuses me about what I am for him when he denies me spending time with him and his family during important family events, and I have literally never met his friends (at all).'
Realizing you're being 'pocketed' in your relationship could be hurtful.
motortion – stock.adobe.com
Yikes.
Advertisement
'Each time we have had conversations about this, they end in arguments,' she wrote.
'The reasons are ALWAYS different on why I can't go, and 90% of those reasons have a solid solution. I've seen my boyfriend work around plans to make something work, but when it comes to his PERSONAL LIFE, that's a no.'
As expected, the comment section was flooded with people pointing out the obvious to this distressed girlfriend.
'Sounds like he's hiding something, or wants to hide you,' one comment read.
'Whatever the reason for it is, it's not good. He most likely either is embarrassed or thinks he can do better,' another user chimed in.
If this Reddit story hits close to home, experts suggest talking to your partner about it.
'Ask with curiosity, rather than accusation,' White says.
'Make it clear from the start that you're not judging them; you're just curious about the situation.' Use phrases like, 'This is something I noticed' or 'The story I'm telling myself is X, am I reading things right?'' added Carmichael.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Kylie Jenner Flaunts Her Cleavage in Plunging Latex Dress After Going Viral for Sharing Details of Her Boob Job
Kylie Jenner's recent dress left little to the imagination The cleavage-baring number comes weeks after she shared the details of her boob job Jenner underwent the procedure when she was 19 years old, months before welcoming her first child, daughter StormiKylie Jenner is baring it all. On Friday, June 20, Jenner, 27, shared an Instagram video of herself testing out her new Kylie Cosmetics glossy lip kits. In the video, the makeup mogul wore a deep plunging vibrant pink latex dress. "Glossy meets lip kits 👄 a NEW take on our iconic lip kit featuring a supple kiss glaze and a contrasting precision pout lip liner for glossy, defined lips. the glossy lip kit will be available in six shades on 6.24 🩷 Jenner's caption read. She wore the cleavage-baring dress a few weeks after publicly detailing the specifics of her breast augmentation surgery at the request of a fan seeking the same procedure. A fan named Rachel Leary told Jenner in a TikTok video posted on June 2, 'You have got what I am looking for to have done, in terms of like, a boob job." "It's like the most perfect natural looking boob job ever," she continued. "They're still big, but whatever way you had the implants — if they are implants or if you had fat transfer — to me, it is perfection.' Jenner responded with the specifics of her cosmetic surgery order, writing, "445 cc, moderate profile, half under the muscle!!!!! Silicone!!!" She also shared her doctor — Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Garth Fisher — and concluded her comment saying, "Hope this helps lol." The reality star has previously played coy about the details of her cosmetic procedures, but she did reveal on an episode of The Kardashians in 2023 that she had gotten her "breasts done" prior to giving birth to her daughter Stormi, 7, with ex Travis Scott. She was 19 at the time of the surgery. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Despite her candid nature surrounding the surgery, she previously said she hopes her daughter chooses to go a different route. 'I had beautiful breasts. Just gorgeous. Perfect size, perfect everything. And I just wish, obviously, I never got them done to begin with.' Jenner also shared that she wanted to be "the best mom and best example" for Stormi: 'I wish I could be her and do it all differently because I wouldn't touch anything," she said in a July 2023 interview with W Magazine. Read the original article on People
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Country music star Kacey Musgraves postpones show after breaking a rib: ‘This s‑‑t is no joke'
Kacey Musgraves has shared some startling news. The 36-year-old country music star took to Instagram on Friday, June 20, to announce that she had to postpone a show scheduled for Sunday in Nashville because she broke a rib in Mexico earlier this week. 'Sooo, I'm in Mexico with a f‑‑king broken rib,' Musgraves wrote on her Instagram Stories alongside an X-ray image of her torso. 'Wednesday night it was raining and I was running to grab some towels and had an extremely hard fall on some very slick tile I didn't see.' Advertisement 6 Kacey Musgraves had to postpone a show scheduled for Sunday night in Nashville because she broke a rib in Mexico. Getty Images 6 The country music star shared a picture of her X-ray with fans on social media. spaceykacey/Instagram 'Thankful I didn't smack my head but I landed very hard on my back left ribcage and broke rib number six,' she continued. 'This s‑‑t is no joke. I'm in a lot of pain and doing ANYTHING is extremely difficult. But I'm managing and being well taken care of.' Advertisement The 'Follow Your Arrow' hitmaker then apologized for having to reschedule her concert at Sing for Science's 'The Magic of Mushrooms' event at the Ryman Auditorium on Sunday night. 'There is no physical way I can get on a plane and fly back to Nashville for the Sing for Science event,' Musgraves said. 'I am extremely bummed to have to reschedule as I have been looking forward to this for months.' 6 'Sooo, I'm in Mexico with a f‑‑king broken rib,' Musgraves wrote on her Instagram Stories. spaceykacey/Instagram 'But there is literally no other option,' she added. 'I'm so sorry for the inconvenience.' Advertisement The event has been rescheduled for Sept. 18, according to Musgraves, and original tickets will be honored for the new date. 'Fans have up to 30 days if they can't make it to the new date,' she concluded her message. 6 'I am extremely bummed to have to reschedule as I have been looking forward to this for months,' the Grammy-winning artist said. Christopher Peterson / 6 Musgraves revealed that she slipped and 'landed very hard on my back left ribcage' and 'broke rib number six.' spaceykacey/Instagram Advertisement The Post has reached out to the country singer's rep for comment. Musgraves' shocking injury this week comes months after the 'Deeper Well' artist made headlines for her 'pissed' reaction at the 2025 Grammy Awards in February. Although 'Deeper Well' was nominated for Best Country Album, Musgraves lost out to Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' record. 6 The event has been rescheduled for Sept. 18, according to Musgraves, and original tickets will be valid for the new date. WWD via Getty Images 'Is Kacey Musgraves mad that Beyoncé won?' one viewer wrote after the 'Slow Burn' singer's reaction went viral. 'She sure looks it.' 'Kacey musgraves is looking pissed after losing to beyonce,' another person tweeted. However, Musgraves later broke her silence to shut down the rumors that she was mad about losing the Grammy Award for Best Country Album to the 43-year-old superstar. 'It's a sensationalistic false narrative meant to pit two talented female artists against each other,' her rep responded in a statement. 'There was simply no scowl or expression made.'
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Meghan Markle Reacts to As Ever Restock Selling Out Again
Meghan Markle's second collection of products from her As ever brand sold out on the first day of availability, and she reacted on Instagram Fans still have a chance to purchase the brand's first-ever alcohol product, As ever rosé, which will be available on July 1 As ever's first line of food items sold out in under an hour on April 2Meghan Markle is heading into the weekend on a high note. The Duchess of Sussex's As ever brand had its second-ever drop of products on Friday, June 20, restocking teas, flower sprinkles and other items that sold out in under an hour when they debuted on April 2. But once again, the products sold out. A post on As ever's Instagram page said, "Cheers, dears! Wishing you a wonderful weekend! You've certainly made ours wonderful. We sold out…again!" Meghan, 43, reacted to the news by sharing the post on her personal Instagram page with the note, "Sip sip hooray!" along with a sun emoji. Just hours earlier, the Duchess of Sussex shared a video to her Instagram Stories encouraging anyone debating a purchase to act fast. "We spent so much time making sure we had so much more inventory, that's why we took the time, and you guys are doing it again," she said. "We're nearly sold out on everything, and I can't believe it." Meghan added that even flower sprinkles, which she made sure to have extra inventory of, were almost sold out at the time. "Thanks, everybody!" she said at the end of the clip. For those who missed out, there's another chance to own a piece of As ever in the coming weeks. Along with Friday's product drop came the announcement of Meghan's first-ever alcoholic offering from the brand. A rosé wine from Napa Valley will go on sale July 1 at 8 a.m. PT/11 a.m. ET. According to the product description, "With soft notes of stone fruit, gentle minerality and a lasting finish, this bespoke blend is launching just in time for summer entertaining." In addition to favorites from the debut drop, As ever's second batch of products included two new items: an apricot spread and orange blossom honey. The apricot spread, which sold out at $9 for the jar or $14 for the jar in keepsake packaging, "balances a delicate sweetness and a gentle brightness that lets this beautiful stone fruit shine," according to the product's description. "Spoon it over yogurt, swipe it onto toast or nestle it into a cake," the description continues. "Beautifully packaged in our signature glass jar with our emblematic brushed gold lid, this delightful addition to your home is presented in keepsake packaging that is crafted to look beautiful on any counter or kitchen shelf." The orange blossom honey, which sold for for $28, boasts a "beautiful golden hue, an enticing aroma, delicate floral notes and subtle citrus undertones." Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! The other products included in the sold-out summer sale were herbal hibiscus tea ($12), herbal lemon ginger tea ($12), herbal peppermint tea ($12), crepe baking mix ($14), shortbread cookie mix ($14) and flower sprinkles ($15). Read the original article on People
