#396 - Life Imitates Art: What TV Dramas Teach Us About Social Media Relationships
After the New Year, I decided to start binge-watching Suits, a legal drama filled with sharp dialogue, high-stakes cases, and plenty of personal conflict. As the series progressed, I noticed something fascinating—it started to feel more like a daytime soap opera than a courtroom drama. That shift got me thinking about the parallels between TV dramas and the self-inflicted drama many of us see play out on social media every day.
Drama, in and of itself, isn’t inherently bad. In fact, the twists and turns in our favorite shows are often what keep us hooked. But in real life, drama can have a darker side, especially when it comes to our relationships.
Take, for example, the familiar cycle we’ve all seen online: someone meets “the one,” falls head over heels, gets married, and documents every blissful moment on social media. Then, almost as quickly as it began, the relationship starts to unravel. Within 18 months—or less—it’s over, and their once-perfect love story has turned into a public heartbreak.
The Invisible Breakup
But not all breakups are announced with the same fanfare as the relationship’s beginning. In many cases, social media relationships go through what I like to call the "invisible breakup."
This is where the couple, once flooding their feeds with romantic photos, love notes, and shared milestones, suddenly goes radio silent. The silence isn’t just about a busy schedule or shifting priorities—it’s about the embarrassment of a relationship or marriage gone wrong so quickly.
For those watching, the silence speaks volumes. Followers start to wonder, “What happened?” or “Why don’t they post together anymore?” The invisible breakup is a quiet unraveling, marked by a stark contrast to the dopamine-fueled highs of their earlier posts.
In an attempt to reclaim control or shift attention, the person who experienced the breakup often overcompensates. They start posting a slew of “single life” events—parties, vacations, new hobbies, or even selfies with captions about independence and self-love. While these posts can sometimes reflect genuine efforts to move forward, they often carry an undertone of seeking validation and attention from their audience.
Why Do We Do This?
It’s easy to see why people share their relationships so openly. Social media offers an instant dopamine hit when others validate our lives with likes and comments. In the early stages of a relationship, when emotions are high and everything feels perfect, it’s natural to want to share your happiness with the world.
But the pressure to perform—the need to curate a perfect image of love—can create a brittle foundation. When the relationship ends, the silence that follows feels deafening, leading many to overcompensate with posts that signal, “I’m doing great!” even when they’re not.
The Real Cost of Public Drama
When relationships are treated like a TV show, it’s not just the couple who’s impacted—it’s their entire audience. Public breakups invite unsolicited opinions, judgment, and sometimes even ridicule. More importantly, they make it harder for the people involved to heal.
Social media amplifies everything: the highs, the lows, and the unresolved emotions. Instead of focusing on personal growth and learning from the experience, many feel pressured to “move on” quickly to prove they’re okay. This often leads to a rebound relationship, which starts the cycle all over again.
What Can We Learn from This?
If we take a step back, there are some valuable lessons to be learned from both TV dramas and social media relationships:
- Focus on the Reality, Not the Highlight Reel: True love isn’t always glamorous, but it’s built on trust, communication, and shared values—not Instagram-worthy moments.
- Protect Your Privacy: The best relationships thrive in environments of safety and security. Keeping the intimate details of your relationship off social media allows you to focus on what truly matters.
- Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others: Social media often paints an incomplete picture. Remember, no one’s relationship is as perfect as it seems online.
The Drama-Free Approach to Love
If you’re a midlife single searching for your soulmate, it’s worth taking a drama-free approach to love. Focus on building a relationship that feels extraordinary from the inside out, rather than one that just looks good on the outside.
While life may imitate art, your love story doesn’t need to follow the script of a TV drama. Instead, let it unfold in its own unique and authentic way—far from the prying eyes of social media.
Because in the end, the best love stories are the ones written just for two.
Take the First Step Towards a Healthier Love Life
If you’re ready to leave the drama behind and create a meaningful, lasting relationship, I’m here to help. Schedule a free 30-minute Discovery Call to see if personal coaching is right for you. Together, we’ll explore your goals, identify challenges, and create a roadmap to help you find the extraordinary love you deserve.