‘Happy’ couples who show off their love on Facebook ‘may well be miserable’, expert claims

It’s the modern way of conducting a love affair – posting a string of declarations of love and mushy selfies on Facebook.

But research suggests that couples who bombard all their friends with the details of how happy they are might actually be overcompensating.

In fact, posting about a love affair may actually be a sign the couple are deeply unhappy – or have other, even worse, problems.

MORE: Britain’s fattest squirrels go nuts and attack children for food

MORE: This greedy labrador puppy had a lucky escape after swallowing a TEASPOON

Sexologist Nikki Goldstein told Mail Online, ‘Often it’s the people who post the most who are seeking validation for their relationship from other people on social media.

‘The likes and comments can be so validating that when someone is really struggling, that’s where they get their up from – not the person making the gesture, but what other people will say about it.

It can also be an indicator that one partner is controlling and possessive, Goldstein warns.

Previous research from Brunel University found that people who posted frequently about their romantic partner often had low self-esteem, according to the researchers, who surveyed 555 Facebook users.