RELATIONSHIPS
Low-Key Relationships: The Beauty of Subtlety
Growing up, many of us believed love was a big grand adventure. Fairytales and the media helped shape our views on romance, and they often painted relationships in a dramatic light.
However, love doesn’t always play out like in the movies. And that’s not a bad thing! Romance comes in different forms, from grand affairs to low-maintenance setups.
Sometimes, the best love stories are the simplest ones. Modern dating has made low-key relationships popular, thanks to their no-nonsense nature.
Why are many enamored by this type of relationship? What are its ins and outs? Learn all about what makes this setup tick.
Defining the Relationship
Relationships of this kind are naturally private and relaxed. Couples adopting this setup don’t want to draw attention to themselves because they’re not the type to show off.
In this setup, both parties agree to keep the PDA to a minimum. Only close friends and family members know about their relationships. They don’t find declarations necessary. You won’t see them doing social media relationship reveals anytime soon.
Couples in this type of romance don’t have the pressure public relationships have. They don’t need to present themselves to please people. Why seek validation from others when you’re the only two people directly involved in the relationship?
Things roll at their own pace because couples aren’t rushing into anything. They enjoy what they have and don’t mind keeping to themselves.
Low-Maintenance vs. Secrecy
There’s a difference between keeping relationships low-key and keeping it secret. Just because a couple prefers a low-maintenance setup doesn’t mean they’re hiding their romance.
Secret relationships are hidden for a reason. Some may be forbidden, while others are simply afraid of public reactions. Concealment is the key to this arrangement.
Secret relationships may seem thrilling, but that euphoria can only last for so long. When secret couples get caught, things will get even more complicated for them.
Why Keep It Low-Key?
You may wonder why some couples are selective about what they share about their relationships. These reasons explain their choices and may convince you to adopt a similar style.
1. You control the pace
Connections aren’t built overnight because everyone progresses at their own pace. Keeping things private allows couples to move as slowly as they like. This control is crucial when you’ve just started your relationship because you’re still figuring out your compatibility in the long term.
2. External validation and approval are unnecessary
Approval, validation, and clout can be addictive. While it’s normal to want acceptance, making relationships public isn’t the healthiest way to obtain it.
Public knowledge and approval don’t determine a relationship’s success. As corny as this sounds, you and your partner are together in the first place because you love each other. You don’t need evidence to prove that.
3. Outsiders stay out
Low-key relationships keep unwanted people out, from exes to nosey friends. Only you and your partner get to choose who gets to be in your orbit.
4. Less stress
Fuss-free relationships help you focus on what matters to you both, resulting in a healthier environment. You’ll notice your stress levels decrease because you’re going about your business without much spectacle.
There’s no harm in keeping your relationship on the down low, provided you’re not hurting anyone. You and your partner should be on the same page about this before agreeing to such a setup for better chances at long-term sustenance.
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