Should Posting Bae on Instagram be Mandatory or Optional?

In the age of social media, relationships are no longer just about love and connection, they’re also about public display. 

Gone are the days when couples could exist in blissful privacy. 

Now, there’s an unspoken rule: 

If it’s not on Instagram, does it even count?

Some believe that posting your significant other is a sign of love, commitment, and public acknowledgment. 

Others argue that relationships are personal, not performative, and social media should remain optional, not obligatory. 

So, is posting your partner a must-do or just a modern myth? 

Let’s explore both sides of this digital-age debate.

The Case for Posting Bae: “Show Them Off!”

For those who believe that posting your partner is non-negotiable, their reasoning often includes:

1. Public Acknowledgment of Commitment

Many see posting their partner as a way to say, “I’m taken, and I’m proud of it.” It’s a way to publicly claim your relationship and set boundaries, letting potential admirers know you’re off the market.

2. A Modern Love Language

For some, social media is a love language. Just like compliments, gifts, or quality time, posting your partner can be an expression of affection. A well-timed couple selfie or sweet caption can mean just as much as saying “I love you.”

3. Avoiding Suspicion and Drama

Let’s be real: Secrecy breeds suspicion. If one partner actively posts about every other aspect of their life, work, pets, food, workouts, but keeps their relationship off the grid, it can feel like a red flag.

4. Memories in the Making

Posting bae isn’t just about showing off, it’s also about creating a digital scrapbook of memories. Years later, scrolling through old pictures can bring back sweet nostalgia and reminders of how far you’ve come.

The Case Against Posting: “We’re Not Here for Likes.”

On the flip side, some argue that social media should not be a relationship requirement. 

Here’s why:

1. Privacy Over Publicity

Some people value keeping their personal life private. Not everything needs to be shared with the world, and a relationship can be strong and healthy without public validation.

2. Posting Doesn’t Equal Love

There’s a difference between real love and performative love. Just because someone posts their partner doesn’t mean they’re loyal, faithful, or committed. Some of the happiest relationships exist without a single online post.

3. Avoiding Unnecessary Pressure

Once a relationship is public, it invites outside opinions, unsolicited advice, and potential drama. Keeping things low-key can protect a couple from gossip, judgment, and online negativity.

4. What Happens If You Break Up?

Couples who heavily document their relationships online often face the dreaded post-breakup cleanup. Deleting pictures, untagging posts, and answering awkward questions from nosy followers can make a breakup even more painful.

The Unspoken Rules of Social Media and Relationships

If you and your partner are on opposite sides of this debate, here are some ways to find middle ground:

1. Have an Open Conversation

Don’t assume your partner feels the same way you do. Ask them how they feel about posting and be open to compromising.

2. Respect Individual Preferences

Some people love social media, while others don’t. Instead of forcing your partner to post (or not post), respect their comfort level and personal boundaries.

3. Find a Balance

If one person wants posts while the other prefers privacy, consider occasional but meaningful shares, like birthdays, anniversaries, or special moments, without turning Instagram into a full relationship diary.

4. Focus on Real-Life Love

At the end of the day, social media is just a highlight reel. What truly matters is how you treat each other offline. A relationship’s strength isn’t measured by likes or followers, it’s built on trust, communication, and real-life moments.

To Post or Not to Post?

So, is posting bae on Instagram mandatory or optional? 

The truth is, it depends on the couple. Some thrive on sharing their love online, while others believe their relationship belongs in the real world, not the digital one.

What matters most is that both partners feel seen, respected, and valued, whether that’s in an Instagram post or in private moments that never make it to the feed. ❤️"