Honesty is Still the Best Policy for Couples

Telling the truth could be beneficial to a couple’s well-being.

A Research-Based Answer

A research team led by Bonnie Le, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Rochester, attempted to answer this question.

To do this, the researchers asked more than 200 couples to have a one-on-one discussion about a sensitive topic, namely a change they would like to see in the other.

The objective was to analyze the effects of expressed honesty, the way it is perceived, and the partners’ ability to evaluate it accurately.

The Verdict: Honesty is Better

The verdict is that it’s better to tell the truth.

According to the research team, telling the truth has positive effects on the well-being of the couple, even if it can sometimes be painful.

Positive Effects of Honesty

“We found that being more honest in expressing a desired change predicted greater personal and relationship well-being for both partners, as well as greater partner motivation to change in the moment,” explains Bonnie Le in a news release.

The same pattern emerged when the person receiving a request to change perceived honesty in their partner, regardless of whether their partner was being honest or not.

The Effort to Be Truthful Matters

In other words, even if honesty is not always perfectly understood or accurately perceived, the simple fact of trying to be sincere strengthens the dynamics of the relationship.

Indeed, the effort to be truthful could therefore matter just as much – if not more – than flawless accuracy in its perception.

Limitations and Future Research

However, these findings only apply to couples with relatively good relationships. The study does not specify whether this pattern would hold true for those experiencing difficulties.

Further research could explore this question in greater depth in order to assess the impact of honesty on couples in crisis.

Conclusion

In the meantime, the science is clear. For a fulfilling relationship, it is better to be honest, even if the truth can sometimes be painful – something to think about this Valentine’s Day.

FAQs

Q: What is the main takeaway from the study?

A: The study found that honesty is better for a couple’s well-being, even if it can sometimes be painful.

Q: Who conducted the study?

A: The research team was led by Bonnie Le, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Rochester.

Q: What was the purpose of the study?

A: The study aimed to analyze the effects of expressed honesty, the way it is perceived, and the partners’ ability to evaluate it accurately.

Q: Are the findings limited to couples with good relationships?

A: Yes, the study only applies to couples with relatively good relationships, and further research is needed to assess the impact of honesty on couples in crisis.