Building a healthy relationship thrives on pillars of honesty, openness, and trust. When these pillars remain strong and unchallenged, a relationship flourishes and grows. But, what happens when secrets creep in and start to undermine these pillars? Keeping things from your partner can have significant consequences, some of which we will explore in this article.

Breaking trust

First and foremost, secrets are an enemy to trust. While it might seem harmless or even protective to hide certain things from your partner, each concealed truth chips away at the trust that bonds you. Trust, once lost, is not easily regained. It’s important to remember that the heart of trust is transparency. Keeping things from your partner can lead to a rupture in trust that takes time, energy, and commitment to repair.

Fostering insecurity

Secrets often birth insecurities. When your partner senses that something is being kept from them, they might feel insecure and uncertain about the relationship. This insecurity can cause them to question their worth, wonder about your commitment, and harbor anxiety about the relationship’s future. Insecurity can create a toxic environment, undermining the emotional safety necessary for a healthy relationship.

Breeding dishonesty

The saying goes, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” Each secret usually demands another lie to cover it, causing a cycle of dishonesty. This dishonesty can develop into a behavior pattern that strains the relationship. Being untruthful can create a wall between you and your partner, preventing genuine, meaningful interactions.

Creating emotional distance

Secrets are like silent walls, creating emotional distance between you and your partner. When you withhold information or feelings, you prevent your partner from truly knowing and understanding you. This emotional distance can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and disconnect, eroding the bond between you.

Strain on physical health

Believe it or not, keeping secrets can also have physical implications. A 2022 study, publish in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, found that concealing information can cause physical discomfort and stress. Over time, the stress of keeping secrets can lead to sleep problems, headaches, back pain, and even heart issues.

Impacting personal growth

In a relationship, personal growth is just as important as collective growth. When you keep secrets from your partner, you deny yourself the opportunity to grow and learn from your mistakes. Authenticity and vulnerability are important aspects of personal growth. When you hide things, you hold back a part of yourself that could learn, change, and improve.

Is honesty always the best policy?

While honesty is undoubtedly critical in a relationship, it’s important to remember that honesty isn’t about brutal or harmful truth-telling. It’s about creating a safe space where both partners feel seen, heard, respected, and valued. It’s about having open discussions, admitting mistakes, and taking responsibility.

Keeping things from your partner has far-reaching consequences. It disrupts trust, fosters insecurity, encourages dishonesty, creates emotional distance, impacts physical health, and stifles personal growth. Instead, fostering openness, honesty, and trust in your relationship can help you avoid these pitfalls and build a more fulfilling, meaningful, and enduring connection with your partner.

Let’s foster transparency and openness, always holding the wellbeing of our partners and our relationship at the forefront. In doing so, we lay down the groundwork for a relationship built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.

Finnegan Baker is a relationship counselor, writer, and advocate for emotional health. He uses his background in psychology and interpersonal communication to inspire healthier, happier relationships.