RELATIONSHIP ADVICE
Hard Launch Your Relationship, Here’s Why and When
Previously, I wrote about launching new relationships through social media posts. How’s that for letting the cat out of the bag? You have various eyes watching and loved ones sending you well wishes.
That entry gave an overview of both hard and soft launches. Today, let’s shine the spotlight on the former.
Why do people prefer such a reveal? When does a hard launch happen?
What Does Hard Launch Mean?
Here’s a quick recap:
Relationship announcements weren’t much of a spectacle before the dawn of social media. It was either through word of mouth or exposure. Straightforward, right?
Hard launches have a similarly bold and direct nature. The difference is that they happen online. Here’s how they play out: there’s been little to no allusion to a couple dating, then boom! They come swinging with a post announcing their status.
These reveals usually consist of full-face photos and captions, and the poster typically tags their partner for extra clarity.
Why Are People Hard Launching Their Relationships?
There are various reasons why couples choose to perform this type of reveal.
First, they want to make things more visible and official. In a study by Orosz, Szekeres, Kiss, Farkas, and Roland-Levy on Facebook relationship statuses, they concluded that a simple post or status is like a “digital wedding ring,” signifying a couple’s commitment to each other and the advancement of their relationship.
Second, hard launches are a sign of confidence. A couple knows that some people may raise their eyebrows and wag their tongues, but they pay no mind to naysayers anyway. This assurance makes hard launches fun. Who wouldn’t enjoy that leap of faith?
Lastly, these launches leave debates out the door. The relationship confirmation puts to rest the assumptions and doubts of both partners. It may not seem like a big deal to some, but it’s a sure sign for others who want affirmation.
When to Hard Launch a Relationship
Should you post about your relationship now? Are you even ready?
There isn’t a timeline for hard launches. However, here are some go-signals:
The anticipation is mutual
Revelations are exciting for a reason. It feels enjoyable to let everyone else in on your little secret. It’s not the likes and comments you’re after; you genuinely want to share the happy news.
Some are already aware
You’re not hiding your relationship, yet you’re not loud about it. Your friends and other people in your orbit see you out and about with your partner, so a declaration is the next logical step. It’ll save you from awkward questions and conversations.
You’re cool with sharing
Hard launches should happen when both parties are on the same side of the disclosure coin. It won’t do if one wants to make it public while the other prefers maintaining privacy.
You’re confident about the relationship
You trust your partner and believe that your love will last.
Among the signs in this section, this one is arguably the biggest. However, this takes time. After all, confidence takes a while to build; it doesn’t grow on trees.
A hard launch means going all in on your relationship. But while you’re confident in your commitment, it takes courage to let others know. May this entry guide you into taking that significant leap.
Reference:
Orosz, Gabor, Adam Szekeres, Zoltan G. Kiss, Peter Farkas, and Christine Roland-Levy. 2015. “Elevated Romantic Love and Jealousy If Relationship Status Is Declared on Facebook.” Frontiers in Psychology 6 (February). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00214.
