Understanding how honesty works in relationships

Having a relationship of openness and complete honesty is an ideal that every couple should always look out for.

According to Psychology today, "what honesty gives you is a great deal of comfort. Knowing you can implicitly trust your mate allows you to be your best self, and your relationship will continue to thrive because you are able to give each other the positive energy you need to navigate life’s ups and downs."

But how does honesty actually operate in a relationship? The four steps below give an insight into this...

1. Complete honesty takes time

Relationships occur in stages, and so does everything in it. Being able to trust someone so completely to the point of divulging all your deepest secrets, fears and worries to them will take some time, and that is OK.

As a matter of fact, this could be used as a test for how the relationship grows, because the better a relationship becomes, the more comfortable partners become with each other, and that, of course, makes it easier to be honest with each other.

2. It's a two-way thing

The level of honesty you practice with a lover will most likely affect the level of honesty they in turn practice with you.

The best thing to do in a relationship, especially one with long-term potential, is for partners to choose a policy of complete, total honesty with each other, regardless of how what happens, or how difficult the situation is.

3. Honesty involves being real

Actions speak louder than words, the saying goes; and it is very accurate here.

Honesty is not always about saying the truth, it is also about being real. No hidden aspects of your personality, no secrets, etc.

It’s not just about what you say. It is also about what you do.

4. Requires effort

Relationships are a two way street, they require both people to make an effort.

Having a relationship based on total honesty has to involve both partners and not just one of them.