Can A Soft Launch Relationship Support Mental Health And Partnerships?
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In recent years, many people have discussed the phenomenon of soft-launching a relationship. This decision typically involves hinting at dating someone without explicitly telling one’s friends and family about the relationship. The reasons for soft-launching may vary, and the decision to do so can depend on each person’s preferences. Whether two people decide to soft- or hard-launch a relationship, they may benefit from speaking to a counselor about the ideal way to reveal their relationship at a pace that works for them. This article will explore soft-launching, its possible benefits, and ways to soft-launch a relationship.
What is a soft-launch relationship?
A soft launch typically refers to the practice of slowly suggesting that a person has a new partner without overtly announcing a new relationship status. Some people choose to soft-launch a relationship as a way to control how much information they reveal to family, friends, and colleagues. They may gradually post new pictures of their partner as a way to avoid rushing the progression of a new relationship.
The “soft-launch” meaning to each partner
There may not be a single “soft-launch” meaning that applies to everyone. It often means that two people are on the same page about not revealing too much about their romantic life in the present moment. This tends to be different from a “relationship reveal,” which often involves a couple officially telling people about their dating status, possibly after meeting on a dating app and then dating for some time. However, the timing for each stage of a relationship, from soft-launch to engagement announcement, can be unique to each couple.
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Ways to soft-launch a relationship
There is no single “right” way to soft-launch a relationship on social media. Some people may decide to post a picture or two with their partner’s face. Others may decide to include their partner in a group picture to avoid too many assumptions about their personal lives. Other suggestions include:
- Posting pictures that only show part of your partner, like their hand holding yours, a silhouette, or a shot from behind, so their face isn’t visible.
- Posting a photo of two meals, drinks, or coffees on a table to hint that you’re on a date with someone special.
- Write captions that drop hints that you’re spending time with someone in an intimate setting, such as “great times with a great person” or “the perfect night”.
- Post something they’ve given you, such as flowers or a sweet note.
Regardless of how you choose to soft-launch your relationship, communicate with your partner and make sure you’re on the same page about the level of visibility you’re both comfortable with.
How to know if you should soft-launch a relationship
Some people may find it helpful to talk to a dating coach or counselor about whether to soft-launch a relationship. A coach may be able to help a person assess their feelings and the pace at which they feel comfortable revealing details about a new relationship to others. In some cases, a relationship expert may have ideas about the latest ways to slowly reveal a relationship online without putting too much pressure on oneself or on one’s partner.
Talking to a counselor about whether to soft-launch a relationship
Some people may benefit from speaking with a licensed mental health professional about their current relationship. A therapist may be able to:
- Help a person evaluate their concerns about publicly hinting at a relationship too soon.
- Explore whether these concerns are related to past relationships or to personal mental health concerns.
- Offer suggestions for handling any challenges in navigating the relationship.
- Provide support to the individual in determining the best course of action for their mental health and wellbeing.
How online therapy may help you soft-launch your relationship
Some people may live in an area with few licensed therapists. Others may feel hesitant to talk to a local therapist about a new relationship. In these cases and many others, online therapy can serve as a valuable resource to get help with relationship decisions. BetterHelp has a network of more than 30,000 licensed therapists, enabling people in need of support to be matched with a therapist from anywhere in the United States. They can connect with their therapist via audio, video, live chat, or some combination of these methods.
In addition to providing a vast network of therapists and several communication methods, online therapy has a strong evidence base in the psychological literature. In one systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers found that online therapy was an effective form of treatment for several conditions, including but not limited to:
- Depression
- Social anxiety disorder
- Phobias
- Adjustment disorder
- Substance use disorder
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Takeaway
Soft-launching a relationship can serve as a way to gradually hint at dating someone without putting sudden pressure on the relationship. Couples may choose to soft-launch a relationship in a number of ways, such as by posting pictures on social media without changing their relationship status. If you’re wondering whether to soft-launch a relationship, you may benefit from consulting with a licensed therapist who can help you assess the pros and cons of opening up about your personal life to friends and family. You can find a suitable mental health professional online or in your local area.
Below are some common questions related to a soft-launch relationship.
What is a soft-launch relationship?
A soft-launch relationship can be described as one in which a couple decides to slowly allude to the fact that they’re dating without explicitly stating anything about their relationship status. Many people do this by posting a picture or two without openly stating that they have a new partner. Some couples might post themselves in a group photo or on a double date to avoid assumptions.
What is the soft-launch meaning for a relationship’s seriousness?
A soft-launch boyfriend or girlfriend (or non-binary person) may mean something different to different people. To some people, it may be a way of celebrating the excitement of beginning to see someone. To others, soft-launching may be a way of hinting at the fact that they have been seeing someone for some time and are getting ready to discuss this person with friends and family.
Should you choose to soft-launch a relationship?
The decision to soft-launch a relationship is typically a personal choice. Some people find that easing into a formal relationship protects their personal space while allowing them to reveal a bit of excitement about a new relationship.
What are some ways to soft-launch a relationship?
People can soft-launch a relationship in a number of ways. Some people may decide to post a picture on social media for their friends and family to see. Others may limit the audience for certain pictures in order to take their relationship slowly. It’s totally fine for couples to launch their relationship in a way that is comfortable for them and at the pace they want to proceed.
What do you do after you soft-launch your relationship?
The way to proceed after soft-launching a relationship may depend on each individual’s feelings. Each person in the relationship can provide their input about if and when they want to move forward with a relationship reveal. There is no single right way to proceed. Couples can decide how to move forward at their own pace.
What if you reveal too much during a soft launch?
If you feel uncomfortable at any time during a soft launch, you might talk to your partner about deleting online pictures or limiting the audience that can view them. A soft launch doesn’t mean that a couple must experience pressure to progress in any prescribed way. People can choose to move forward or backward in a way that feels comfortable to them at any point in a relationship.
How long should you be dating before soft-launching?
Deciding when to soft-launch your new love interest is a personal decision with no correct answer. Whether you’d prefer to tell the world about your special someone or keep your relationship personal and wait before sharing your relationship status with the general public is completely up to you.
What does it mean when a guy soft-launches you?
Soft-launching a relationship means different things to different people. Often, it indicates a step forward in the relationship.
What is a hard launch in dating?
A hard launch generally refers to explicitly stating that you are dating someone. This might involve changing your relationship status on social media, posting a mirror selfie together with a caption labeling the person as your partner, or otherwise fully committing to the relationship in a public way.
How do you soft-launch your girlfriend?
A few ways to soft-launch a new relationship include the following:
Posting an Instagram story in which only part of their face can be seen
Posting a holiday snap of the two of you to a limited audience
Posting a photo of the two of you holding hands
Posting a picture of two cocktails to imply that you’re having drinks with a partner
Posting a picture in which part of a man’s arm (or a woman’s arm) can be seen
Each of the creative example options above hints at romance but has an air of mystery. The difference between these and a hard launch is that a hard launch makes it very clear that you are in a relationship. Soft-launching can be a fun way to begin to introduce a new partner to the people in your life without getting too far ahead of the relationship’s current state.
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