Posting relationships on social media starts with one uncomfortable question. Your partner never shares photos of you two together. Their feed shows friends, food, travel, everything except you. You're three months in. Six months. A year. You finally ask why. They say they value privacy. You hear: they're hiding you. Who's actually being performative here?

 

Kirsch argues the person demanding to be posted is the one performing, not the one posting. It signals underlying issues like lack of trust or jealousy over a work spouse. Tedesco counters that posting is cute and endearing, shouting from the rooftops that you like someone enough to put it on the internet. Both agree intent matters more than action. Psychology research claims eight privacy values predict relationship success, with the first being intimacy works best when protected, not performed. But then Facebook trained an entire generation to announce relationship status changes automatically, creating drama before anyone could process the breakup privately. Kirsch notes couples now feel obligated to announce splits because people invested in the highlight reel demand explanations.

 

The narrative exists whether you control it or not. Getting ahead of the story doesn't stop the chatter. And deleting photos without explanation? People notice that too. The question isn't whether to post. It's who needs the validation and why.

 

Topics: posting relationships on social media, relationship privacy, performative relationships, Instagram couples, social media breakups

 

GUEST: Jen Kirsch, Tony Tedesco


Originally aired on 2026-01-27

Posting relationships on social media starts with one uncomfortable question. Your partner never shares photos of you two together. Their feed shows friends, food, travel, everything except you. You're three months in. Six months. A year. You finally ask why. They say they value privacy. You hear: they're hiding you. Who's actually being performative here?
&nbsp;
Kirsch argues the person demanding to be posted is the one performing, not the one posting. It signals underlying issues like lack of trust or jealousy over a work spouse. Tedesco counters that posting is cute and endearing, shouting from the rooftops that you like someone enough to put it on the internet. Both agree intent matters more than action. Psychology research claims eight privacy values predict relationship success, with the first being intimacy works best when protected, not performed. But then Facebook trained an entire generation to announce relationship status changes automatically, creating drama before anyone could process the breakup privately. Kirsch notes couples now feel obligated to announce splits because people invested in the highlight reel demand explanations.
&nbsp;
The narrative exists whether you control it or not. Getting ahead of the story doesn't stop the chatter. And deleting photos without explanation? People notice that too. The question isn't whether to post. It's who needs the validation and why.
&nbsp;
Topics: posting relationships on social media, relationship privacy, performative relationships, Instagram couples, social media breakups
&nbsp;
GUEST: Jen Kirsch, Tony Tedesco
 Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-27

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.