The Importance of Honesty

We've all heard how important communication is to a relationship. And in fact it is very important. But, just as knowledge without wisdom means nothing, communication without honesty is useless.

Every relationship has its little white lies. "No, those jeans don't make your butt look big." is perfectly acceptable. "I don't know what I got you for your birthday," is also acceptable. Little good can actually come from her knowing that in actuality her butt does look big in those pants. But if you really think about it, this policy does not really work for everything. If you tell your husband that you like his pancakes, when in reality you think they're awful, you're going to have to keep eating those pancakes for the rest of your relationship.

No doubt that telling him you don't really like his pancakes will hurt his feelings for a while, but good will come of it. 1) you won't ever have to eat them again if you don't want to and 2) he may actually learn to prepare them better. There's more to honesty than giving a true answer.

Be forthcoming. If she thinks you're hiding something, she's more likely to look for something. Which means, she's more likely to find something. She has no idea what you may be hiding and can jump to wild conclusions, "what is so important that he would lie to me about?" Do you think you'll get into more trouble if you volunteer you melted all her make up, or if you wait until she completes her investigation.

If he finds you lying, he's more likely to suspect you lying in the future. Mistrust robs people of their closeness. It can do so in an instant. Lies can take your love and throw it out the window. If you're partner finds you lying to them they will be even more hurt than if just explained things carefully and with love. Honesty may get you a night on the couch, but lies can end your relationship.

Learn more about this author, Nathan Davis.
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