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The One True Quality That Makes Or Breaks a Relationship

If you are currently dating someone, reflect on the initial months of the relationship, in particular the early stages of getting to know that person. How open and truthful were you about your background? In the intoxicating haze of new love, did you wear a mask for your partner? Maybe tucked away inconvenient truths, like surprise kids or credit card woes. Or perhaps you silenced your inner voice, swallowing discomfort for the sake of “happily ever after.” But what if honesty, not silence, is the real magic of love? Can you imagine your relationship being built on openness, even when it’s messy? Take a breath, unmask, and see what blooms. But unfortunately, people are inclined to keep information from their partner or ignore major red flags in the early stages of romance because they want so much for the relationship to work out.

The fear of “rocking the boat” or coming across as high-maintenance might mean a few additional dates, but in the long run, it will doom the relationship. Likewise, it is understandable that an individual might be afraid to open themselves up to a new partner because of past experiences. For instance, if a previous partner responded negatively to their attempts at being honest and trustworthy, they might see these traits as a vice rather than a virtue. But whether someone is lying about their food preferences (something rather minor) or fails to disclose they have an STD (a pretty major, earth-shattering revelation), not being honest can have serious consequences.