In recent years, relationship advice shared online has gained significant attention, often encouraging people to “never settle,” believe that “if they wanted to, they would,” and assume that “relationships are not meant to be hard”. While these ideas may sound empowering, mental health experts warn that they may not always reflect real-life relationships.
Social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are overflowing with content from influencers and self-styled relationship experts explaining what they believe a healthy partnership should look like. While some advice may be helpful, professionals say much of it can create confusion and unnecessary doubt.
On April 10, licensed therapist Nadia Addesi addressed this issue in a social media post discussing the risks of viral relationship advice. She shared the post with the caption, “Deinfluencing you from TikTok advice that is ruining your relationship (As a licensed therapist).”
According to Addesi, repeated exposure to simplified advice can make it feel truthful, even when it lacks depth. “The more people say it, the more we start treating it like fact, then applying it to our own relationship without stopping to ask whether it actually fits. As a therapist, I see how much this can create insecurity and chaos,” she warned.
Addesi further explained that viral opinions often cause people to question healthy relationships. “They start assuming something is wrong when what is really happening has more to do with context, communication, attachment, old wounds, and the very specific dynamic between two people,” she added.
She also pointed to several common relationship myths that people should be cautious about.
“People don’t automatically know what matters to you just because they love you. One of the things I’m constantly teaching is that expectations that are not communicated will turn into resentment. The real question is not whether they guessed right. It’s whether they care enough to follow through once you’ve made your needs clear.”
