Is Keeping Secrets In A Relationship Healthy?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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But all secrets, big and small, have a profound effect on you and your marriage — whether you notice it or not.

Secrets in are common

. But a body of research suggests they can negatively affect mental and even physical health.

Are secret relationships unhealthy?

Not only does a secret relationship

often hurt others

, particularly the people you care about, it can also end up hurting you on various levels. It can take a toll on your self-esteem, and you may start feeling inadequate, sad, or like a bad person because of the secret nature of your relationship.

Is it bad to hide things from your partner?

Hiding one or two may not end up harming a relationship, but if you're in a habit of lying,

it can actually harm you

— physically. Experts report that if you're in the habit of lying it can show up as heart burn, panic attacks and insomnia because of increased guilt and anxiety.

Is it OK to have secrets in a relationship?


You have the right to privacy in any relationship

, including with your spouse, partner, and family. In any relationship, you have the right to keep a part of your life secret, no matter how trivial or how important, for the sole reason that you want to.

Can secrets hurt a relationship?

Being honest and emotionally vulnerable in a romantic relationship is a form of both personal and relationship integrity. … Secrets, however,

are lies of omission

, and they're just as damaging to relationships and personal integrity as those we say out loud.

When should you not keep secrets?

EVEN if your friend or family member makes you promise not to tell anyone. WHEN should you not keep a secret? ANSWER:

Any time that someone is or could be in danger of being hurt

, or when someone is potentially a danger to hurt someone else.

Why does my partner hide things from me?

Often, a spouse hides something

because they don't feel like they have a safe place to share

. Or, they hide something because they are doing something wrong and fear that the truth might hurt you. That being said, the safer you can make the environment, the more likely they are to open up and tell you the truth.

How do you let go of a secret relationship?

  1. Don't take a ton of pictures together. …
  2. Avoid crowded public places where you're likely to see a family member/ family friend. …
  3. No PDA (Public Displays of Affection) …
  4. Change his name on your phone. …
  5. Ask your friends to cover for you.

Is it bad to hide a relationship from your parents?

Whether you're keeping it a secret because you're too young or because your parents won't approve due to their values, hiding your relationship can be

challenging

. While you could risk losing your parents' trust if they ever find out, you don't want to put yourself in harm's way or compromise your values.

What it feels like to be in a secret relationship?

“Feeling stashed, or hiding a relationship from others,

causes people to feel shame

. It makes us feel like there is something wrong with how we love. The dissonance between how we actually are behind closed doors and how we present ourselves to the world can cause a lot of psychological pain.”

Why my girlfriend hide things from me?


Maybe she's going through certain things she doesn

‘t want to share, even with people she can trust. Maybe she's having accidents. If you think either of these are going on mention it and tell her that you are there to help. I think my girlfriend is hiding the game Catan from me.

Should you tell your partner all your secrets?

Your friends' secrets

Close friends sometimes share their deepest secrets with one another, and even if you usually tell your partner everything, it's

totally fine not to

share those secrets with him or her. In fact, it means you're being a good and loyal friend and maintaining that person's trust in you.

What secrets should I tell my girlfriend?

  • Do Tell Them: Your Sexiest Thoughts & Fantasies. …
  • Do Tell Them: Embarrassing Stories From Your Past. …
  • Do Tell Them: Your Sexual Health History. …
  • Do Tell Them: About Your Body's One Quirk. …
  • Don't Tell Them: Super Personal Family Stories.

Is it better to keep your relationship private?

Keeping your relationship private is a personal decision

that needs to be mutual

. But no matter what you and your partner share or don't share, the only thing that matters is that you both genuinely value each other more than the opinions of other people.

What Husbands should not say to their wives?

  • “I need to tell you something. Today I…” …
  • “I hear what you're saying, but I disagree. …
  • “We should have sex soon.” …
  • “I'm concerned by how much we're spending.” …
  • “I was wrong. …
  • “What you said/did really hurt me.” …
  • “Can we set another time to talk about this?”

Is it illegal to tell someone's secrets?

California Law Penal Code § 632, enacted under the California Invasion of Privacy Act, makes

it illegal for an individual to monitor or record a “confidential communication”

whether the communication is carried on among the parties in the presence of one another or by means of a telegraph, telephone, or other device. …

Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.