Be Honest—but Nuanced! (Advice Roundup)

By Peter Kowalke on Jul 15, 2016

Honesty is very important in a relationship. This almost goes without saying.

What is less talked about, however, is how we can go too far with honesty. This is not a suggestion that we become dishonest with our partner; sharing everything with our partner really, truly is essential. But there’s such thing as timing. And also there’s the issue of how your partner will receive what you’re trying to communicate—sometimes honesty is less honest than simplifying an answer for actual comprehension.

There are other exceptions to the honesty principle, too, which makes honesty a little harder than just sharing your mind.

That’s why Dina Kaplan thinks that honesty must also be paired with empathy. This idea kicks off our Relationship Advice Roundup this week.

Relationship Advice Worth Clicking

• Honesty alone isn’t enough. You also need to mix it with empathy. (Everup)
• Base your relationship on love (intentions), not transactions (goals). (Dharma Wisdom)
• Loving without knowing how to love hurts the other person (so we recommend getting a coach…). (Brain Pickings)
• Your relationship breakthrough starts with you. (BMWK)
• Seven red flags on a first date. (Verily)
• Bold is the word of the day for effective relationship communication. (Generous Husband)
• Sometimes empathy means keeping yourself out of the story. (Psychology Today)

Putting the Advice into Practice

Okay, you’ve read the relationship advice this week. Now are you ready to live it? If so, contact us at Kowalke Coaching. We’re ready to help you get there! Schedule a free coaching session.