And if you’ve spoken of anything deeper than weather complaints and transit woes, and a partner has not been mentioned, it becomes more than forgetfulness or privacy. It is a conscious act of omission.

I’m guilty of this. I believe I do this as I want to be seen as a whole person and to be treated at face value. I live in Brazil and it can be quite a macho culture at times. However, after reading your article it made me pause and think if I am creating a problem.