Ever heard of the term "Secret Single Behavior"? In relationship lingo, Secret Single Behavior or SSB refers to the habits or routines most people indulge in when they're alone, without the presence of their partner. These behaviors are often things that individuals may not feel comfortable doing in front of others or might feel embarrassed about sharing.
Maybe it sounds sus when you first hear it, but it's surprisingly wholesome once you understand what qualifies as SSB. For a bit more context, here's one female Cosmo reader's take on SSB: "[When my partner isn't here, I like] pooping or peeing with the doors open. I feel stifled by my poop fumes when I'm enclosed!”
What is Secret Single Behavior?
In a nutshell, Secret Single Behavior refers to those quirky habits that, while endearing, are probably best kept hidden from your significant other—if only to save a little face. For the record, we're not suggesting that couples should keep secrets from each other, but you get the idea.
Unlike most relationship lingos in use today, however, SSB wasn't coined by the Internet (we're looking at you, Spotify Stalking, Pre-Nut Delusion, Soft Blocking, etc.). The term originated in a 2002 Sex and the City episode, where Carrie and the gang discussed the small, private routines and pleasures people enjoy when their partner isn't around. The show's recent arrival on Netflix explains why many Gen Z viewers are only now discovering the concept.
What's your Secret Single Behavior?
We're curious to know your SSB, but you might feel more comfortable sharing after seeing what our readers and other people on Reddit have revealed. Keep reading!
1. "Maybe this is common SSB, but I never let my boyfriend see me floss my teeth or remove unwanted hairs sa katawan kasi siyempre diyahe. Also, I don't know why, but I feel awkward dressing up and getting ready in front of him so inuunahan ko na before he arrives. Mas comfortable pa ako to strip down naked with him around!" - Maryann, 35
2. "I like to pretend I'm the host of a very successful podcast and I'll walk around my home talking to myself about any number of topics." - u/NoireN, via Reddit
3. "Sometimes, I would order a box of doughnuts all to myself and not tell my girlfriend about it. Hindi naman ako gutom at hindi rin siya stress eating, but I don't want to have to explain myself to anyone kaya I do it in secret na lang, hehe." - Rodney, 30
4. "I've probably written about a thousand songs by now just singing loudly to my cats and narrating whatever they’re doing. It's my thing!" - u/STFUisright, via Reddit
5. "My SSB is I do voice impressions of celebrities kapag mag-isa lang ako sa bahay or sa kotse. I'm incredibly shy and conscious when it comes to performing kaya walang ibang nakakarinig ng impressions ko but myself. Even my girlfriend hasn't heard them!" - Joey, 25
6. "For me, it used to be watching TV or YouTube all night with some of my magazines next to me in bed with a takeout pizza (which was also in the bed!). Sometimes I would fall asleep and then wake up to YouTube still going and a half-eaten pizza, other times I would do this almost until I could see the sun. After moving in with my boyfriend, [I had to stop since] I had to let him sleep also he needed the other side of the bed." - u/Past_Survey9700, via Reddit
7. "When my husband isn’t around, I’ll order food delivery, put the aircon on full, dim all the lights, wear a warm jacket and jogging pants, and will just get lost in a book the entire time. Other times I’ll play Zelda with a big bag of chips all to myself." - Lyn, 33
8. "Eating as much chips and dip as my stomach can handle while standing in my kitchen and listening to a podcast and scrolling Reddit. Doesn’t hit the same if I’m on the couch or watching TV." - u/Rebeca-Schooner, via Reddit
9. "I don't know if this counts as my SSB, but I have a habit of scheduling kung kailan ako iiyak. I usually schedule it when I'm not with my BF or kapag walang work the next day, since ayoko naman mahalata na maga ang eyes ko. When I'm dealing with stress from work or kung anuman, it always helps na mailabas ko siya kahit na mga two days later. LOL!" - Jane, 26
10. "I sing power metal ballads as loud as I can. My partner may never be around to hear that but I'm sure the neighbors are having a blast." - u/Curious-Scheme. via Reddit
Now that you've seen theirs, maybe you're ready to share your own. Or maybe you wanna ask your S.O. about theirs, too! Might make you closer than ever.