{"id":1222,"date":"2024-11-26T15:19:30","date_gmt":"2024-11-26T15:19:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/?p=1222"},"modified":"2024-11-26T15:19:33","modified_gmt":"2024-11-26T15:19:33","slug":"my-boyfriend-refused-to-take-pics-with-me-and-hid-me-from-his-friends-and-family-if-only-i-knew-why","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/archives\/1222","title":{"rendered":"My Boyfriend Refused to Take Pics with Me and Hid Me from His Friends and Family \u2014 If Only I Knew Why"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class='\"entry-header\"'>\n<p>What does it mean to love someone who keeps you in the dark? For a year, Deborah\u2019s boyfriend refused to take selfies with her and never introduced her to his friends or family. She thought he was just shy, until their shared GPS tracker led her to a life she never imagined.\n</p><div class='\"entry-content\"'>\n<div class='\"entry-content\"'>\n<div class='\"ContentRenderer_content-container__XYPLT\"' data-io-article-url='\"https:\/\/amomama.com\/442304-my-boyfriend-refused-to-take-pics-with.html?m=doa\"'>\n<div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I used to think Noah just hated having his picture taken. That\u2019s what I told myself every time he dodged my camera or stepped away when friends wanted a group shot. Or when I wanted a selfie of us together. But then I\u2019d see his latest online posts loaded with solo shots at restaurants we\u2019d visited together, and pictures at events where I\u2019d been right beside him.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/7YJEs__pivfLtz4_B8TwB9KkY2W0UuCk4RuBVydU6OQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYjcyNDZkMDEyNTFmNTcyNmVlOTMwZjAwYzIxMTk0YzQxYjM0YTA3YmIwYjZlMTdjYTY2ZDVlMGIzMjQ0NWYzYy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/b7246d01251f5726ee930f00c21194c41b34a07bb0b6e17ca66d5e0b32445f3c.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' anxious woman checking her phone source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>An anxious woman checking her phone\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>For a whole year, I watched myself being cropped out of his life, piece by piece, wondering if I was his dirty little secret.<i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>\u00a0Maybe he\u2019s camera-shy. Maybe he had a wife tucked away somewhere! Maybe I wasn\u2019t pretty enough, smart enough\u2026 or good enough.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Silly me. I used to laugh at those thoughts. But it felt weird. And I was like, \u201cWhat\u2019s the big deal in posing for some selfies with your girlfriend?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>One evening, after another failed attempt at a couple\u2019s selfie at our favorite Italian restaurant, I couldn\u2019t hold back anymore.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cCome on, just one picture, babe,\u201d I pleaded, holding up my phone. \u201cFor our anniversary.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Noah just pushed his pasta around his plate, that familiar tension creeping into his jaw. \u201cDeb, you know I\u2019m not comfortable with photos.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/sw9IfTt2LXNx4EEPKAI39-CbBNwiMiEb8bYF6Gprmm0\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYjA1MDE0MGRkNjFjOGZkZDQxODBjOGU3NzU1MTU2NmM1YzQ1ODNhMzliMjM3ODk1MTQ2ZGJkY2Y1MTk4YzU0Zi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/b050140dd61c8fdd4180c8e77551566c5c4583a39b237895146dbdcf5198c54f.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' nervous man holding his head source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A nervous man holding his head\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cRight. Just like you\u2019re not comfortable introducing me to your family? Or your friends?\u201d My voice cracked. \u201cDo you know how it feels to date someone for a year and not exist in any of their memories? You know everything about me. EVERYTHING.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He reached for my hand, but I pulled away. \u201cIt\u2019s not what you think\u2014\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThen what is it, Noah? Because from where I\u2019m sitting, it looks like you\u2019re ashamed of me.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>His fork clattered against the plate. \u201cAshamed? Gosh, Deb, you have no idea how wrong you are.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThen explain it to me!\u201d A few heads turned at nearby tables, but I didn\u2019t care anymore. \u201cWhen your friend Tom ran into us at the mall last month, you introduced me as \u2018someone from work.\u2019 Is that what I am to you? Just\u2026 someone?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/53fg5MUFNR22LVZkpZI1_Ew0eLEODrWMEKXslKh5sRM\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNmE1Yjc0NzA0YjIyZTE4MDdjZTc4ZTQ1ODBlYjA2OWMyMTc0NzcwNGIxOTIyNWJiMzgzZGMxZDM3NGYzNjU2YS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/6a5b74704b22e1807ce78e4580eb069c21747704b19225bb383dc1d374f3656a.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' annoyed woman in a restaurant source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>An annoyed woman in a restaurant\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThat\u2019s not fair\u2014\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cNot fair?\u201d I laughed bitterly. \u201cYou know my entire family. You\u2019ve had Sunday dinners with my parents. My little sister texts you cat memes. Hell, even my grandmother asks about you! Meanwhile, I don\u2019t even know how your parents look.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Noah\u2019s face went pale. He reached for his water glass, his hand trembling slightly. \u201cIt\u2019s\u2026 nothing, honey. You\u2019re complicating things.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cEverything\u2019s \u2018nothing\u2019 with you, Noah. Every single thing.\u201d I stood up, grabbing my purse. \u201cYou know what\u2019s not complicated? The truth. But I guess that\u2019s too much to ask for.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/GKZwUPwx8FCBn_ght7Rw9faJio-kMceojcT8jtK83rM\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOWE0MDYwNDkwOWNiZTljOTcyNmJmNmFjODRkMTA0YmExOTQ1YTA4YjE1NDJhYjljMDllMmZkYTg3OWJkMzkyMS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/9a40604909cbe9c9726bf6ac84d104ba1945a08b1542ab9c09e2fda879bd3921.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' furious woman holding a shimmery purse source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A furious woman holding a shimmery purse\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>When he casually mentioned his family dinner last weekend over coffee, something in me snapped. We were at our usual caf\u00e9, the morning sun streaming through the windows, making his perfectly styled hair shine golden.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cJust a small thing at home,\u201d he\u2019d said casually, stirring his latte. \u201cNothing special.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cLike all those other family things I\u2019m never invited to?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>His spoon clinked against the cup. \u201cDeb, please don\u2019t start.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhen does it end, Noah? When do I become someone worth acknowledging?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He checked his phone, a habit I\u2019d grown to hate. \u201cI have to go. Meeting in 20.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/2qiX6LLHoFunBZOPqUgxsBIGkPBJJ5-i_eLE-1WsUSQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzI1MDQ0YTMyMDEwOWVjYmE1ZGVkOTY2NGIzY2NlYTVlYTU0NzAzM2I4MjI2MTExZDQ4NzJlMmVmZGFhNGNjMC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/325044a320109ecba5ded9664b3ccea5ea547033b8226111d4872e2efdaa4cc0.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' nervous man holding his smartphone source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A nervous man holding his smartphone\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I smiled and nodded, already plotting my plan. The location sharing he\u2019d forgotten to disable on his phone would finally come in handy.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Sunday evening found me driving across the town, a bouquet of lilies and a box of fancy chocolates on my passenger seat. My hands trembled on the steering wheel as I followed the blue dot on my phone\u2019s map.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThis is crazy,\u201d I muttered to myself. \u201cThis is absolutely crazy. Stalking my own boyfriend.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>My best friend\u2019s voice echoed in my head from our conversation earlier:\u00a0<i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>\u201cGirl, you better find out what he\u2019s hiding. A man who won\u2019t take pictures with you is a man with secrets.\u201d\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/cMmTXTnSaxmALVlygmnCA7otOCotBnivyTa3efaqyfE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMDU1NjRjYmNhZTQ2YzgzNDA0MzgwNjFiNWRkYzBjOWQ2ZTFmMzg0N2VmNzUxMTUzOGIyNjEyODM1YWEzNTZjMC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MjQwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTYwMA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/05564cbcae46c8340438061b5ddc0c9d6e1f3847ef7511538b2612835aa356c0.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman driving a car source: unsplash width='\"2400\"' height='\"1600\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman driving a car\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The GPS led me to a neighborhood I\u2019d only seen in magazines. As the houses grew larger and the gates more ornate, my heart sank lower and lower. Then I saw it \u2014 Noah\u2019s \u201cmodest\u201d family home.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I remembered him mentioning that he lived in a little cottage. But what stood before me was\u2026 a palace.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I parked my beat-up vintage car on the street, feeling like a pauper at a royal ball. The manicured lawn stretched forever, leading to a mansion that could have housed my entire apartment building.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cSimple life, my butt,\u201d I whispered, clutching my pathetic offerings.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>My phone buzzed with a text from Noah:<i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>\u00a0\u201cMeeting the family for dinner. Talk tomorrow?\u00a0\ud83c\udf39<i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>\u201c\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I took a deep breath and typed back:\u00a0<i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>\u201cSooner than you think, darling!\u00a0\ud83d\ude43<i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>\u201c\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/1hCPToINXDDWEoudBjCAdvb1Ai01hk-_pRa8k6yg3ik\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOGFlOTZmM2ZmMzdiMDJhMjI3ZjY3YWQ2YTVhNzNlZTc0MTM4NWMwNzM4MDVjYzVkYzQwMzRjZGFkNmViNGZiZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/8ae96f3ff37b02a227f67ad6a5a73ee741385c073805cc5dc4034cdad6eb4fbd.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman standing in front of a huge mansion source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman standing in front of a huge mansion\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Mustering every ounce of my courage, I knocked on the door. A butler answered. An actual butler, complete with a proper suit and perfect posture.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cMay I help you?\u201d He asked.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI\u2019m here to see Noah.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Through the open door, I could see a dining room that belonged in Downtown Abbey. And there was Noah, seated at a massive table with people who could only be his family, all of them dressed like they were having dinner with the royals.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/IC6TN849LVLlEGfaisQ5jh_4l_OBKNMaJabJNuiiUJs\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMDY0NDJkZmM3NmZkNDViYjc3YmIzZDU4ZWNkZTUwMjVmYWJhY2VkYjMzNjE4NzE1OWIzNGY3YjhkOWM5NTc3Yy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/06442dfc76fd45bb77bb3d58ecde5025fabacedb336187159b34f7b8d9c9577c.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' shocked woman standing at the doorway source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A shocked woman standing at the doorway\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The butler led me in before I could bolt. Noah\u2019s head snapped up, his face draining of color. He knocked over his wine glass as he stood, dark red liquid seeping into the pristine white tablecloth.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDEBORAH?\u201d His voice cracked. \u201cWhat are you\u2026 how did you\u2014\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cLocation sharing,\u201d I said quietly. \u201cYou never turned it off.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>His mother, an elegant woman in her 50s, raised a perfectly groomed eyebrow. \u201cNoah, darling, who is this unexpected guest?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cShe\u2019s\u2026 she\u2019s my friend, Mom. I\u2019ll be right back.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/3xzugBiH5aV_iAR9R-aTr0BJ2b_d1-Se_EUf4lzqXSs\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOGE1OGEyNWFlM2M3NWVjZjNmMzhhM2I5NjU2NjYzZTk4OGJhYjM0ZWQ0MmUyZTZiYWU2YjU2NWViZGFiNGJmNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/8a58a25ae3c75ecf3f38a3b9656663e988bab34ed42e2e6bae6b565ebdab4bf7.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' wealthy senior woman in a posh dining room source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A wealthy senior woman in a posh dining room\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He practically dragged me into a side room, his fingers digging into my arm. \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t be here.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cClearly not.\u201d I yanked my arm free. \u201cWere you ever going to tell me? Or was I just supposed to keep believing you lived in some modest little house with your simple, humble family?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cIt\u2019s complicated.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThen uncomplicate it!\u201d I thrust the flowers at him. \u201cBecause I\u2019m done feeling like your dirty little secret! Done checking your social media to see where you\u2019ve been without me. Done making excuses to my friends about why they\u2019ve never met my boyfriend\u2019s family. Done feeling like I\u2019m not good enough!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/yxHG6rQiPFfWvONkMR0ssWjgN6CT1FgLUm2iCSs3tF0\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vN2QwNzBiOTEyZGRhNDJlMzNkN2IwMThjNGYzMjY0OTRiMzA1MDM4MGEzMDBlOTUzZGNmZTgyNzJhNTZlYjU2MC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/7d070b912dda42e33d7b018c4f326494b3050380a300e953dcfe8272a56eb560.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' disheartened woman source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A disheartened woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Noah ran his hands through his hair, messing up its perfect styling. \u201cYou don\u2019t understand. My family\u2026 they\u2019re not just rich. They\u2019re old money. Aristocrats. Everything has to be perfect, planned, and proper.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cAnd I\u2019m not.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cNo! I mean, yes, but not like that. Every girlfriend I\u2019ve brought home\u2026 they\u2019ve torn them apart. Found every flaw, every reason why they weren\u2019t good enough for the family name.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cSo you decided to just hide me instead?\u201d I sank into a velvet armchair, suddenly exhausted.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI was protecting us.\u201d He knelt in front of me, taking my hands in his. \u201cI didn\u2019t want their expectations to poison what we have. I didn\u2019t want you looking at me differently. I\u2019m their only heir, Deb. Do you know what that means? The pressure, the traditions, the rules\u2014\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/fsPtVDjC2YaKs7BqeB0LU7T62y874WMrHmy1WfXMQyM\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzZmOWUxMTY3MjI4NDc1M2UwMmEwZjE2Yzc2MTAzMTAzMDhjYTlhOWI1NWNjOWY1ODA2NmU0NmI4OWRkNTdjNi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/36f9e11672284753e02a0f16c7610310308ca9a9b55cc9f58066e46b89dd57c6.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' distressed man looking at someone source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A distressed man looking at someone\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cIt means you\u2019ve been lying to me for a year.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cBecause I love you exactly how you are! Because I love who I am when I\u2019m with you. Just Noah, not the heir to all this fortune and the chain of jewelry stores.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I stared at him. \u201cJewelry stores?\u2019\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He winced. \u201cYeah.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThe same family that owns half the buildings downtown? The ones who have their name on the university library?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThat would be my grandfather\u2019s doing.\u201d He squeezed my hands. \u201cNow you see why I kept this from you? The minute people hear my last name, everything changes. They either want something from me or they run away. But you\u2026 you were different. Unconditional. And innocent.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/40MLPsNZVJ6e8mGrNe7OAkfyxtfV9KuafwRaq4FIzn4\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMjAxOTYzM2NmMmYzNjA0MWVkMmFjNTcwM2M0OWNiZmUyNTBmN2ZmOWE4ZDJmN2QyZTg2MGJlYzQ3MjhmMDUwZi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/2019633cf2f36041ed2ac5703c49cbfe250f7ff9a8d2f7d2e860bec4728f050f.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' stunned woman source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A stunned woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cTake me to meet them properly,\u201d I demanded. \u201cRight now.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDeb\u2014\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cEither I\u2019m worth fighting for, or I\u2019m not. Which is it?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He looked at me for a long moment, then took my hand. We walked back into the dining room together. His mother \u2014 perfectly coiffed, dripping in pearls \u2014 stood up immediately. His father lowered his newspaper, his face stern.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Noah squared his shoulders. \u201cMom, Dad, this is Deborah. The woman I love. We\u2019ve been together for a year, and I\u2019ve been hiding her from you because I was afraid you\u2019d do what you always do,\u201d he said, looking at his dad. \u201cJudge her, test her, and try to find reasons why she\u2019s not good enough for our precious family name.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/JrFERofsGsr3rOvLQlaievU3RGwYiA_0vSn_kAlzxyI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNDQ0M2IwMzViNDVmMWQ3MDk0NTlhNDI0ODNlZTk5OTVhNDM4N2Y2NmE3N2EyMDRmMDRkYjQyMTg2ZmZjOGVmMC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/4443b035b45f1d709459a42483ee9995a4387f66a77a204f04db42186ffc8ef0.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' stunned senior man source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A stunned senior man\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He took a deep breath. \u201cBut I\u2019m done hiding. If you can\u2019t accept her, then I\u2019ll walk away from everything\u2026 the name, the money, all of it. Because she\u2019s worth more than all of it combined.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The silence was deafening. Then his mother started crying.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cOh, you foolish boy!\u201d she said, walking toward us. I braced myself for the worst, but instead, she pulled me into a tight hug.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDo you know what I saw when this young lady walked in? I saw myself, 30 years ago, holding a bunch of daisies and shaking in my boots.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/AkSbsmg6379_ymdseOAtdHSn1SQ_nBPfzT4aRmr4rJ0\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTAwMzY0ODY3OGJiMDliODdkMTE5ZTE3ZGNjOTAwZGUxZTBjODdhNDEwOTZmMDBiYWJkMGNjNDlhMTk5YjdjYi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/1003648678bb09b87d119e17dcc900de1e0c87a41096f00babd0cc49a199b7cb.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' cheerful senior woman smiling source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A cheerful senior woman smiling\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>When she finally let go, her mascara was smeared. \u201cI was you once,\u201d she said softly. \u201cA nobody who dared to love a man in this family. Noah\u2019s grandparents made my life hell for years. I swore I\u2019d never let that happen to anyone else.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cBut all those other girls\u2014\u201d Noah started.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI was trying to protect your future partner from what I went through.\u201d She touched my cheek. \u201cBut seeing you stand here, bringing flowers to a family dinner you weren\u2019t invited to, fighting for my son\u2026 that\u2019s exactly what I did 30 years ago.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>His father cleared his throat. \u201cThe difference is, Dahlia, you didn\u2019t walk in through the front door. As I recall, you climbed the garden wall.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/r1nazqVmbtUe4mJ6dMIJw9wbzlqssSiFj4DI9OqOneE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZjg1NzNjMTBkYTI2NGIyZGM5MmExMDI0YTE4ZWRkZmFmNDFmYzUzMDcwMTk2MWZkZTBjODg2NWE1OTNjOTI5Mi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/f8573c10da264b2dc92a1024a18eddfaf41fc530701961fde0c8865a593c9292.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' senior man laughing source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A senior man laughing\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>For the first time that evening, laughter filled the room. His father stood, straightening his tie. \u201cWell then, Deborah, would you care to join us for dinner? I believe we have quite a few embarrassing stories about Noah to share.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As I settled into the chair Noah pulled out for me, I couldn\u2019t help but smile. I\u2019d come looking for answers with nothing but flowers, chocolates, and determination. Instead, I\u2019d found something far more precious: a family willing to break their own rules for love.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/EgGmwPLNbKCU5_uT7fiCAJ_sih9TG2nI4-2YHWV4giw\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYzk4ZmJjMmQwMjdmMjMyNWE5OTJmMDdhM2QxNDA2NTEzOWY4OGE3M2JjZWE4ZWZjYTAwZmNjM2JiMDY3N2JhMS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/c98fbc2d027f2325a992f07a3d14065139f88a73bcea8efca00fcc3bb0677ba1.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' cheerful young woman smiling in a grand dining room source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A cheerful young woman smiling in a grand dining room\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Here\u2019s another\u00a0story: When her husband mocked her appearance behind her back in a group chat with his friends, Kim made sure he realized it was his biggest mistake.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided \u201cas is,\u201d and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</i></p><p>What does it mean to love someone who keeps you in the dark? For a year, Deborah\u2019s boyfriend refused to take selfies with her and never introduced her to his friends or family. She thought he was just shy, until their shared GPS tracker led her to a life she never imagined. I used to [&hellip;]\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1223,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1222","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1222","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1222"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1222\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1224,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1222\/revisions\/1224"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1223"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1222"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1222"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1222"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></div></i></p></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></i></i></p></div></i></i></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></header>