Though the conventional wisdom favors honesty above all else, cruelty and contempt often masquerade as honesty and are reliable predictors about the end of a relationship, and nothing encourages brutal honesty like marriage or a long-term relationship. Here are seven ways to build kinder, gentler honesty into your marriage.
There are many surprising benefits to open marriage. In this essay one writer explains that openness can bring you closer to your spouse by improving communication, honesty and self-acceptance. "It seems counterintuitive but it’s true: By opening up our relationship and deepening our honesty, we’re happier than we’ve ever been. Our house is peaceful and there aren’t anymore deep dark secrets between us." It can help you see your spouse in a new light. "Most people can relate to going on a date or to an event with your spouse and seeing his or her excellence or attractiveness as though from a new perspective. Well, the same applies in spades when you see your spouse all lit up by a new love-interest, assuming you can overcome whatever jealousy or possessiveness that arise." Non-monogamy can heat up your sex life when old lovers learn new tricks. "After enjoying time with other men or women, you might find yourself developing a deeper appreciation for your partner, once he or she is out there learning new things and bringing them back to you."
