Sexual attraction is an important aspect of human behavior that has been studied extensively by researchers and scholars from various fields. It involves a physical or psychological desire for another person. In many cases, people find themselves attracted to others who they cannot have sexual relations with due to various reasons such as age, gender, marital status, religion, and social norms.
Some individuals are fortunate enough to be involved in relationships where they share their deepest emotions, thoughts, and feelings without fear of judgment or rejection. This type of relationship is called relational visibility, while lack thereof is referred to as relational invisibility. Relational visibility refers to a situation where a couple openly expresses their love for each other in public and private settings. On the contrary, relational invisibility entails couples hiding their romantic connection from the rest of the world. Both of these conditions influence moral legitimacy and emotional satisfaction differently. Moral legitimacy refers to the degree to which an action is considered morally acceptable by society. Emotional satisfaction refers to how happy one feels emotionally when engaging in a particular activity. This article discusses how relational visibility and invisibility affect moral legitimacy and emotional satisfaction in intimate relationships.
Relational visibility affects moral legitimacy because it shows the world that the couple is committed to each other, leading them to feel like a unit. When two individuals are out in the public holding hands or hugging, they are seen as a loving couple, thus creating an image of moral legitimacy. People around them assume that the couple is responsible and trustworthy since they are not afraid to show their love in front of everyone. They believe that the bond between them will last longer than those who hide their affection. In contrast, relational invisibility makes people question the legitimacy of the relationship. A couple that keeps its relation invisible may raise suspicions about why they do not want others to know about their romantic involvement. Some people might think that the couple has something to hide or fear rejection if they disclose their feelings. Such assumptions can lead to rumors, which undermine moral legitimacy.
Relational visibility also impacts emotional satisfaction. Couples who display their love in public receive positive feedback from the community, boosting their self-esteem and sense of pride. The world applauds them for daring to express themselves without fear of judgment, making them feel satisfied with themselves and their partner. On the contrary, couples who keep their connection hidden suffer from low self-confidence and depression due to negative opinions about their decisions. They may be ashamed of being together in secret or worry about getting caught by friends and family members. This lack of support negatively affects their emotional well-being.
One study found that individuals in non-visible relationships experienced more stress compared to those in visible ones.
This article has examined how relational visibility and invisibility affect moral legitimacy and emotional satisfaction. While relational visibility enhances social acceptance and self-esteem, it could make a couple susceptible to criticism and gossip. Relational invisibility affects emotional satisfaction since it creates doubt and shame among partners. Nevertheless, both conditions are essential for building healthy intimate relationships based on trust, respect, honesty, and commitment.
What is the impact of relational visibility or invisibility on moral legitimacy and emotional satisfaction?
Relational visibility has an important effect on moral legitimacy and emotional satisfaction. When people are visible within their relationships, they tend to feel more secure and confident in themselves, which leads to increased feelings of self-worth. This can lead to greater sense of purpose and meaning in life, which in turn contributes to higher levels of well-being and overall happiness.