Heres why honesty in relationships is so important.
It helps them know they can believe your promises and commitments.
Being honest with your partner also facilitates healthycommunication, which is also necessary for a functional relationship.
On the other hand, relationships flounder when trust is broken.
Yes, honesty is always necessary in a relationship 100% of the time.
But Melamed recommends avoiding unnecessarily hurtful statements (i.e.
you’re a terrible cook) and springing for kinder ways to convey the same sentiment: Hmm.
I so appreciate that you made dinner tonight.
Does it taste a little bitter to you though?
Or, Its a little bitter tasting to me, so I think theres some room for improvement.
Sometimes couples can get a little wrapped up in trying to confirm they know absolutely everything about each other.
It is essential to understand the difference between secrets and privacy.
And if your partner asks you something directly, you do need to tell the truth.
Do the things you promise.
Nothing erodes trust and builds resentment quite like empty orbroken promises.
Better to be honest now and disappoint a little in the moment than disappoint later and errode trust.
Prioritize communication
Make communicating with each other an open priority in your relationship.
By establishing this precedent, you make honesty easier to practice for both of you.
A great way to help them feel comfortable being honest is to simply lead by example.
Tell them how youre feeling or what youre up to, and allow them to follow your lead.
So when someone is being honest and vulnerable, avoid judging them or punishing them for it.
You want to create a space where people feel safe expressing themselves; this is what breeds honesty.
Was there another way they couldve told you that wouldve hurt less?
Healing broken trust takes time and real, dedicated work.
You both need to be involved and collaborating onhow to rebuild that trust.
Give it time
Trust takes time.
Its hard to just force yourself to trust someone when you truly arent there yet.
Work on finding ways to feel safe and secure in your relationship.
Committing again and again to being totally honest with each other will be an important first step.
