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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