
Today, Explained Are boyfriends embarrassing?
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Jan 2, 2026 Shante Joseph, a writer known for her insights on relationships, discusses her viral Vogue piece questioning the embarrassment of having a boyfriend. She explores themes like the performative nature of online relationships, privacy concerns, and how straight relationships can signal cultural alignments. Joining her is Jane Ward, a feminist studies professor who delves into the challenges and contradictions of heterosexuality, arguing for a shift toward embracing feminism as a way to improve connections. Their candid conversations spark new perspectives on love and culture.
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Dating Posts Became Private Performance
- Social media norms made posting boyfriends private or performative rather than celebratory.
- Shante Joseph links hiding partners to branding, privacy fears, and online validation dynamics.
Straight Relationships Became Political Signals
- Some women avoid showing partners because straight relationships now signal political or cultural alignment.
- Shante Joseph connects this to the trad-wife movement and the politicization of heterosexuality.
Viral TikToks And The West Elm Caleb Story
- Shante Joseph recounts viral online phenomena like long TikTok confession series and 'West Elm Caleb' stories.
- These personal examples show the collapse of romantic fantasy into public skepticism and exposure.





