The X as a status on Facebook represents a user’s relationship status as “In a Relationship” or “In a Civil Union/Domestic Partnership”. This allows users to indicate they are in a serious relationship without specifying details like “Married” or “Engaged”.
When was the X relationship status introduced?
Facebook first introduced the X relationship status in February 2014. This provided an alternative to “Single”, “In a Relationship”, “Engaged”, and “Married” by allowing users to keep their relationship status private. The X gives users an option besides “Single” if they do not want to share their exact relationship details.
What are the different relationship statuses on Facebook?
Here are the main relationship status options on Facebook and their meanings:
| Single | Not in a relationship or married |
| In a Relationship | Dating someone but not engaged or married |
| Engaged | Engaged to be married |
| Married | Legally married |
| In a Civil Union | In a legally recognized civil union |
| In a Domestic Partnership | In a committed domestic partnership |
| In an Open Relationship | In a non-exclusive romantic relationship |
| It’s Complicated | Has a complicated romantic status |
| In a Relationship with [name] | In a relationship and specifies the partner’s name |
| X | In a relationship but keeping exact status private |
The X option allows users to indicate they are in a serious relationship without providing more details to all of their Facebook friends and connections.
Who is the X status for?
Here are some examples of people who may want to use the X relationship status on Facebook:
- People in long-term relationships who do not feel the need to declare “In a Relationship”
- Couples who live together but are not engaged or married
- Those in domestic partnerships or civil unions
- People who want to keep their relationship more private from work connections
- Individuals who feel “In a Relationship” is too casual for a serious partner
- People who do not want relationship details known by all Facebook friends
The X gives these users an option besides “Single” or “In a Relationship”. It allows them to indicate a serious relationship while keeping the details private. Some may use it as a step before formally changing to “Engaged” or “Married”.
How is the X different from other relationship statuses?
Here are key ways the X relationship status differs from other options on Facebook:
- More private than “In a Relationship” or other specific options
- Does not reveal relationship details to all friends/connections
- Suggests a serious relationship without defining it
- Alternative for those who do not feel single but do not want to specify their status
While “In a Relationship” and other statuses announce details publicly, the X allows users to indicate a relationship while keeping the details private. The vagueness gives users more privacy.
What are the pros and cons of the X status?
Here are some potential pros and cons of using the X relationship status on Facebook:
Pros:
- Lets you indicate you are not single without providing more details
- More private than other relationship status options
- Appropriate for domestic partnerships or civil unions
- Good for those who feel “In a Relationship” is too informal
- Does not announce details of your relationship to all friends/connections
Cons:
- Ambiguity can be confusing to some friends/family
- Could prompt questions from curious friends/connections
- Less specific details about your relationship
- People may not understand it as a serious relationship status
Ultimately it offers more privacy, but some may find it vague or not view it as a formal relationship status.
What are some reasons people choose the X status?
There are a variety of reasons why someone might prefer the X relationship status instead of other options. Some common ones include:
- Wanting greater privacy around relationship details
- Being in a domestic partnership rather than formal marriage
- Not wanting to define the relationship as “In a Relationship”
- Feeling their relationship has matured past “In a Relationship”
- Not wanting to announce details to professional connections
- Being in a civil union rather than traditional marriage
- Keeping their dating and family life more separate
For many, the X offers a vague middle ground between “Single” and “In a Relationship”. It allows for some privacy as relationships progress and change.
How common is the use of the X status?
While Facebook has not provided data, the X relationship status is considered relatively uncommon compared to other options. Some key points about its usage include:
- More common in areas where civil unions or domestic partnerships are legal
- More frequently used by younger demographics
- Often used temporarily before changing to “Engaged” or “Married”
- Uncommon in socially conservative regions
- More common among LGBTQ couples
- Used by an estimated 1-2% of Facebook users
Compared to statuses like “Single”, “In a Relationship” and “Married”, the X status is still fairly rare. But its usage has slowly grown since its introduction, especially among millennials.
Is the X status appropriate for workplace connections?
Opinions vary on whether using the X relationship status is appropriate for work contacts on Facebook. Some perspectives include:
- Appropriate if you want to keep details private from co-workers
- Inappropriate if you normally share relationship details with co-workers
- Confusing and vague for professional contacts who may question it
- Sends a signal you likely have a partner but want to keep it separate
- Ok for some industries but not more conservative fields
- Depends on your comfort level sharing personal status with work connections
There are arguments on both sides. Ultimately it depends on your specific job and how much you typically share with co-workers on social media.
How has the X status been viewed culturally?
The X relationship status on Facebook has had varied cultural perceptions, including:
- Viewed as odd or vague when first introduced
- Criticized by some as unnecessary Facebook feature
- Praised for providing more privacy options
- Associated with domestic partnerships and civil unions culturally
- Seen as modern way to indicate relationships without labels
- Considered reflection of more nuanced cultural views on relationships
- Debated as too ambiguous or deceptive by some
Overall reception has been mixed, with younger generations typically more embracing of it than older demographics. But it has opened up relationship definitions beyond just “single” or “married”.
Does the X status include PMUV feature?
No, the X relationship status does not automatically include the PMUV (“Person Most Understanding of Your Vibes”) feature that Facebook introduced in 2023. PMUV is considered separate from traditional relationship statuses:
- PMUV highlights a close friend rather than romantic partner
- PMUV is in addition to your selected relationship status
- PMUV is meant to showcase platonic friendships
- Having PMUV does not change your listed relationship status
So PMUV does not apply if you choose the X status. PMUV and X relationship status are separate elements on Facebook profiles.
Can you change your X status to hidden?
Yes, users who have selected the X relationship status can also change the audience to hide it from certain people. To do this:
- Go to your Facebook profile and Relationship Status section
- Click on the audience selector (globe icon) next to your X status
- Choose “Custom” to customize who can see it
- Uncheck friends, groups or individuals you want to hide it from
This will allow you to retain the X status but have it hidden from specific people you select. You can hide it from coworkers, acquaintances, family members or anyone else on your friends list.
Can you use a relationship status not defined by Facebook?
No, Facebook does not allow users to enter a custom or undefined relationship status outside the available options. If you try to manually enter a made-up status it will show as “Invalid relationship status” on your profile.
The only way to indicate an undefined relationship is to select the generic X status or It’s Complicated. All other relationship statuses must use Facebook’s predefined options.
Conclusion
The X relationship status has become an important option on Facebook for those wanting to indicate a significant relationship while maintaining some privacy. It allows users to avoid defining a relationship while still signaling they are not single. Despite some debate over its ambiguity, the X meets a need for many couples, especially those in domestic partnerships, civil unions, and unmarried long-term relationships. While not as commonly used as In a Relationship or Married, the X gives users more flexibility in displaying their changing relationship status.