Phony Happy Couples

[JayJa]

Doesn't it seem like the couples who constantly promote what fantastic relationships they have to everyone else online are actually the ones in the worst relationships?

I know of at least 5 couples, who have some of the most toxic or downright depressing relationships behind closed doors but it's all smiles and sunshine on their social media.

Surely happy couples don't need to shout it from the rooftops about how happy they are as they have nothing to prove to anyone. Whereas, the unhappy people seem to try and convince not only themselves but others that everything is perfect, almost like a mantra with daily/weekly updates.

It goes without saying I believe these types are in the minority but it highlights a bigger problem at large about how obsessed people have become with how they are perceived online not only in terms of relationships, but wealth and success etc. Have we become a society of narcissists or has social media just given the narcissists a platform to preach from?

My DH only posts photos of boats, I’m going to take that as a positive for our relationship! (Every now and then I’ll like one of the photos, but never love or comment!)

Their entire relationship has been one problem after the other but I won't go into the details. The overly slushy posts are an attempt to throw any suspicion off the true reality of their relationship. I feel that people who are secure in their relationships don't need false affirmation from people who don't know any better.

A friend's daughter is in a relationship that's a bit rocky currently. But look at their Valentine's Day posting on FB 'love of my life' etc, and you wouldn't know that she cheated on him three months ago! The more they are public the more they are not in private!
Most of my friends don't post stuff about/to each other, in fact you'd barely know they had another half!

I'm just not really interested in relationships I see on SM. If I do see lots of needy posts I'd just snooze or unfollow as it's annoying. If it was a close friend and a genuine happy announcement then I'd be happy for them but cba with relationship virtue signalling or any performative broadcasts.

OMG yes so many i have seen do this.
One couple i know of dont even live together hes cheated twice lost count with the men shs had.
But yet online its rainbows and sunshine love you your the best your my world pic pic pic bla bla bla.
Another couple play rich i mean debt over their heads just to look the part to have fancy things and holidays.
Even go as far as going to places taking a pic and walk back out.
Both claim uc.
Hes cheated 4 times but she forgives him because hes so controlling what he says goes end of.
She like a puppet and he has the string but online you would never believe it they look so happy shes really not.

I've found that to be mostly true. The most awful person I know is absolutely loved on Facebook. She has about a thousand friends so has hundreds of comments, constantly telling her how amazing she is. And the gushing 'me and my hubby/date night' posts are constant. When the truth is, she's really quite abusive to him and he tells her all the time that he hates her and if it wasnt for their child, he'd leave. But according to 99% of her Facebook friends, they are 'relationship goals' and it's just so wonderful to see.
She's as fake in real life too. She's over the top lovely and nice. As soon as the person leaves, she will spill forth the most nasty comments about them. Its really quite something to witness.

Agree. A relative of mine is an influencer and was often posting photos of him with the future wife, regarding the upcoming nuptials. What he didn’t post was how they would have furious rows, not speak for days or weeks (during which time he would post about the cat). The wedding is now off as she’s ditched him for the local wacky baccy dealer 😵‍💫

I feel sorry for people like that

But how would you know if you don't use social media yourself?

I don't get the couple gushing but I don't follow people who do it, if you have an issue stop following them

Back when everything was in print, OK magazine used to do massive features on rich & famous couples showcasing their glamorous, stable marriages.

It was a standing joke (and truism) that, if a couple's relationship was in OK, their divorce was on the cards.

Seal and Heidi Klum annually used to announce their renewal of wedding vows, I beleive

Gosh, I remember that! Seems so long ago.

I guess SM is the modern day equivalent.

I only have one person on my FB who does this - my oldest friend’s sister.

The SM version v RL is vastly different.

Most people on my feed are clearly quite happy and content and use it for connecting with people near and far.

Where have I said I don't use social media?

I also didn't say I have an issue with it, I've just noticed the pattern and increased regularity.