Privacy lets relationships have dimensions outsiders cannot vote on.

Something happens to a relationship when it is fully visible. Once other people know the details, they hold opinions, take sides, and remember the bad chapter after the two of you have moved past it. Keeping some of it between you means the relationship can develop according to its own terms rather than under review. Privacy protects the ability to repair.

Be careful about which arguments and difficulties you narrate to others. Choose one confidant rather than several. Whatever you broadcast becomes harder for anyone to forget, including you.