Romantic Secrecy

Definition

Romantic secrecy is the process by which an individual deliberately conceals his or her ongoing romantic relationship from a person or persons outside of the relationship. Romantic secrecy is typically associated with deception about the nature of a romantic relationship. Romantic secrecy occurs most clearly when an individual conceals all aspects of his or her romantic relationship from others. An individual can maintain such pretenses by meeting privately with only his or her romantic partner or by concealing the romantic nature of the relationship when in public. Romantic secrecy occurs similarly when an individual acknowledges an ongoing romantic relationship, but conceals the romantic partner. Finally, romantic secrecy occurs to a lesser degree when an individual acknowledges a romantic relationship, but goes to lengths to hide ...