Social Media’s ‘Weekend Lover’ Trend Has Users Venting About Secret Relationships, but Some Disagree with Airing Dirty Laundry

Ever dated someone who only shows up on weekends? TikTok now has a name for that kind of situationship: the “weekend lover.”

The trend has spread quickly, with users posting confessions and screenshots of texts from their so-called weekend lovers, often set to Prince’s “I Would Die 4 U,” which has become an unofficial soundtrack for the posts. The videos typically describe casual, side relationships — the kind where someone keeps you separate from their real life and wouldn’t introduce you to friends or family.

Some creators treat the topic with humor, sharing skits about awkward weekend-only meetups. Others take a more serious approach, opening up about what it feels like to be hidden or treated like a secret. The hashtag #WeekendLover has gained millions of views as more people add their own stories.

One creator, @kaiyarillston222, shared a video reflecting on the trend and the emotions behind it, writing that it can be painful to watch others participate when you know what it’s like to be kept private.

Her post drew millions of views and thousands of comments, with many viewers responding with similar experiences. In a follow-up, she pushed back on criticism and explained that she was trying to feel accepted, hoping the relationship would become something more.

Comments under the video ranged from blunt honesty to messages of support, with users admitting they stayed even when they knew where things stood, while others reassured her that being in that position is something many people go through — and learn from.

Not everyone is on board with the trend. Another TikTok user, @joibeansss, went viral for arguing that people should stop posting about weekend lovers altogether. In her video, she said she doesn’t believe the posts will change anyone’s behavior and urged viewers to “stand up” and delete them instead.

She added that sharing sentimental posts about someone who didn’t treat you well only keeps the hurt alive, and encouraged viewers to move on rather than relive the experience publicly. While she emphasized she wasn’t trying to shame anyone for going through it, her message was clear: leave the weekend lover in the past.