Today, we’re talking about cute soft launches. In Ask An Editor, Her Campus Editors answer readers’ questions about how to be a human. This month, Her Campus’s Deputy Editor, Iman Hariri-Kia, hosts office hours.Â
Dear Editor,​
​How do you make your soft launch cute, not cheugy?Â
Sincerely,Â
Trying Not To Cringe
Dear Trying Not To Cringe,
Ugh, I hate the concept of cheugy. Like, let people do whatever the hell they want in 2021. Know what’s cheugy? Being worried about being perceived as cheugy. Ha. Okay, get it together, Iman. End of rant.
Back to your question. The truth is, you and I probably have different cringe levels and what you find cute might not actually align with what I find cute. That being said, I’m going to do my best to answer this according to my own spectrum of cuteness — so take everything with a grain of salt. For example, I tend to find punny captions a little hard to swallow (even though I loved them eight years ago) and find myself skipping the overly filtered photos and opting for something a bit more natural. You might find the opposite appealing. And that’s okay!
I’m a romantic (lol), so I find myself drawn to vulnerability, honesty, and humor. I truly believe that a couple’s feelings for each other is contagious and can transcend all levels of discomfort and cringe. So, as yours are developing this September, lean into the limbo and let your heart do the talking.Â
Laugh Through The LaunchÂ
Alleviate some of the pressure that comes with introducing a new relationship to the public by poking some fun at the concept. Is it a bit dystopian that we need to validate our emotional connections by posting into the ether? Perhaps! Is it a shared experience that we can all laugh at? Absolutely. When teasing a bit of your partner’s profile or posting from your date night, use the caption to call yourself out. Try something like, “This is exactly what you think it is,” or, “All the rumors are true.” Whatever you do, don’t take yourself too seriously. Soft launching is supposed to be fun!
Play A Bit With Your AudienceÂ
Are your friends just waiting for you to confirm your relationship? Are they teasing you on the backend? Well, you don’t need my permission: Tease them right back. Post a photo to your story of two plates on the dinner table and tag your mom with a heart emoji. Post a TikTok to your account featuring two popcorn bags and make the caption “my bestie.” Drive everyone up the wall trying to figure out whether you’re choosing to soft launch or not. You only do it once, so make sure you do it on your own terms.Â
Say It Through Other Means
If a playful picture of your partner or a shot from your own life feels too cringe-worthy, try making the launch softer by reposting a meme, screenshot from a TV show, or a song that hints at the fact that you’re seeing someone. When your own words fail you, let someone else’s speak through you. Using pop culture or graphics to communicate is a larger Gen Z phenomenon, so adopt the practice and adapt it so that it benefits you.
When In Doubt, Speak From The Heart
A little corny honesty never hurt anyone. When all else fails, try the direct approach — just share your favorite picture, add a heart, and speak your truth.Â
Of course, communication is everything. Before soft-launching your relationship, have an open and honest conversation with your partner about what this means, your comfort levels with a public-facing relationship, and social media best practices moving forward. Future you will thank you for it.Â
Happy launching!Â
Love,
Iman