TIFU My wife unlocked her social media and started posting provocative pics. I don’t know if I’m paranoid or if this is a red flag

I’m 44, my wife is 36. We’ve been married for 12 years and we have a child together. I always thought our relationship was stable, not perfect but strong enough to handle the usual ups and downs.

But lately something has changed, and honestly, it’s been bothering me. My wife used to have private social media accounts, mostly sharing family trips, birthdays or just casual life updates. A few months ago she suddenly unlocked her profile and started posting way more pictures. Some of them are let’s just say, more provocative than I’ve ever seen her share before.

She’s dressing more revealing, putting on more makeup, even when there’s no special reason for it. Of course, everyone has the right to feel confident and show off if they want to. I get that. But it feels less like self-confidence and more like she’s actively seeking attention and not just mine.

People (mostly guys) leave comments and likes, and she seems to really enjoy the attention. I’m not jealous in the “controlling husband” sense but I can’t help but feel uneasy. If she needs this kind of validation, does that mean something is missing in our marriage?

I don’t want to accuse her or make a scene, but I also don’t want to bury my head in the sand. I keep wondering if this is just a phase like she’s trying to feel young and attractive again or if it’s the start of something that could really damage us.

I love her, I love our family, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried. Is this a red flag or am I just overthinking it?

TL;DR: I’m 44, my wife is 36. After 12 years of marriage and a child together she suddenly unlocked her social media, started posting provocative pics, dressing more revealing and enjoying attention from other men. I’m not trying to be controlling but it worries me. Not sure if it’s just a phase or a red flag for something bigger.

EDIT: Forgot to add, I asked her about it in a calm way, basically like: “Hey, I’ve noticed you unlocked your social media and started posting more provocative photos. You look great, but it’s something new for you, so I just wanted to check in.”

She told me she’s been feeling like she “lost herself” in the routine of being a mom and a wife, and that this is her way of feeling attractive and confident again. She said it’s not about other guys, and that she still loves me and our family, but she enjoys the attention because it reminds her she’s more than just a mom.

I want to believe her, and maybe that really is all there is to it but part of me still worries if it’s the start of something bigger. Thats the reason why im asking here