Relationships: is honesty always the best policy?

The odd white lie isn’t necessarily a bad thing in a relationship. Whether your partner asks if you like the present they just gave to you, questions whether you’re a fan of their cooking or queries whether they look good in a new outfit, stretching the truth can sometimes be the best policy. What about more serious issues though, like money, family or health? In cases like these, honesty is important. Here, we take a look at a few of the reasons why and offer some tips on how to broach sensitive subjects with your other half.

Speaking up can make your relationship stronger

You might worry that being honest about a particular topic will put extra strain on your relationship. In reality though, opening up to your partner could have the opposite effect and actually strengthen your bond. Some subjects are undoubtedly tricky to discuss. For example, if things aren’t working out in the bedroom between you and your other half, you might feel awkward bringing the issue up. However, whether it’s a loss of desire, pain during sex or something else, it’s essential that you address the problem. Depending on the cause of the issue, simply talking things through with your partner might help. Alternatively, counselling may be needed resolve the problem, or if you have a specific medical complaint that’s causing you difficulties between the sheets, you might require a particular treatment. There are effective treatments available for a range of sexual problems, and some of these are now available over the web. For example, people with erectile dysfunction can get prescriptions for Viagra online in the UK, meaning they don’t even have to speak to a doctor face-to-face.

Aside from sex, there are a host of other topics that you might be reluctant to talk to your partner about, from financial concerns, to plans for the future, to problems with trust. However, it’s only by facing up to these issues that you’ll be able to work through them. If you try to simply ignore the problem, the chances are you’re storing up trouble for the future. After all, secrets have a habit of getting out and when they do, trust can be broken and people can get hurt.

By being upfront with your partner about the important things, you can prevent a whole host of potential misunderstandings and you should find you have a stronger and more stable basis for your relationship.

Knowing how to discuss difficult subjects

Of course, being honest about the stuff that really matters is often easier said than done. Especially when it comes to sensitive issues, what starts out as a reasonable discussion can quickly become an argument. To reduce the risk of this happening, it’s important to approach these chats carefully. For example, make sure you choose a suitable time and place to start them. Ideally, you should find a quiet, private space where you won’t have to worry about being overheard. You should also choose a time when neither of you need to rush off.

Make an effort to listen to what your partner has to say too. If you launch into a monologue, they might feel defensive and the discussion could end up doing more harm than good.

Although honesty isn’t necessarily the best policy in every single situation, it does pay off to be truthful when it comes to the fundamental issues. As long as you’re tactful in the way you talk to your partner, honesty should help to keep your relationship on the right track.

Mummy B xoxox

*Collaborative Post