In this episode, I react to  a provocative cultural shift highlighted in Vogue’s viral piece “Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now?”. Straight women are hiding their partners online. Faces are blurred. Fiancés are cropped out. Entire relationships are reduced to a hand on a steering wheel. The fear is that posting a boyfriend makes a woman look less independent and less culturally relevant. I  compare this to myr own experience as a boomer who grew up with the belief that partnership was an achievement. I explore how this shift affects men, why younger women feel pressure to appear single, and what it says about the evolving politics of heterosexual relationships. The episode asks listeners to rethink why sharing a romantic partner feels risky now and whether avoiding visibility is about independence, superstition, image, or something deeper.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

00:22 The purpose of breaking taboos

00:45 Why women hesitate to like or share sex content

01:15 Introducing the episode and today’s question

01:33 The Vogue article and the rise of “boyfriend embarrassment”

02:05 How age and upbringing shape views on partnership

02:40 The clash between independence and being partnered

03:15 How shifting gender roles impact men

03:45 Why posting a partner feels risky for some women

04:20 The 70 year old who feels odd saying “my boyfriend”

04:48 Why Karen sees partnership as joyful, not submissive

05:15 The fear of judgment and the pressure to appear independent

05:48 Why some women reject men after negative experiences

06:20 Karen’s final questions about posting your partner

06:45 Closing message and sex positive reminder

Want a deeper look? Watch the full episode on YouTube for a more visual experience of today’s discussion. This episode is best enjoyed on video—don’t miss out!

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: karen@taboototruth.com

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

About The Host

Karen Bigman, a Sexual Health Alliance Certified Sex Educator, Life, and Menopause Coach, tackles the often-taboo subject of sexuality with a straightforward and candid approach. We explore the intricacies of sex during perimenopause, post-menopause, and andropause, offering insights and support for all those experiencing these transformative phases.

This podcast is not intended to give medical advice. Karen Bigman is not a medical professional. For any medical questions or issues, please visit your licensed medical provider.

Looking for some fresh perspective on sex in midlife? You can find me here:

Email: karen@taboototruth.com

Website: https://www.taboototruth.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taboototruth

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taboototruthpodcast

Substack: https://karenbigman.substack.com

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