sorry if this sounds pathetic, but I'm literally hiding in a shared Airbnb bathroom right now because my chest is so tight. We've been secretly hooking up and texting 24/7 on this trip, but by the pool he acts like I'm invisible around his popular friends. I crave that closeness so bad, but pretending we don't exist in daylight is chewing up my stomach. Is this really worth it?

Deep breath, unlock the bathroom door, and hear this loud and clear: sneaking around in the shadows isn't a VIP pass into the cool crowd, it’s just emotional unpaid overtime. Here’s what’s happening: he wants the thrill of you in private, but lacks the spine to risk his imaginary social ranking in the sun. That’s not a cute holiday romance; that’s someone treating you like a backstage secret while you’re burning through your own nervous system trying to play along. Status is completely worthless if you have to hyperventilate behind a locked door to afford it. Next time you’re alone or he texts you to meet up late, hand the ball right back: "I'm done acting like a ghost during the day. If you can't say hi to me by the pool, don't bother knocking on my door at night." Then put your phone on silent and go grab an ice cream. The right people never require you to shrink so they can feel big.