Chapter 10: Relationships with Romantic Partners

Self-Disclosure

An essential part of maintaining intimacy is creating a climate of security and trust within your relationship. This allows both partners to feel that they can disclose fears and feelings without repercussions. To foster self-disclosure, each person must behave in ways that are predictable, trustworthy, and ethical. Over time, consistency in behavior evokes mutual respect and the perception that self-disclosure will be welcomed. You use self-disclosure when:

You tell your partner about your fears and vulnerabilities.
You share your feelings and emotions with your partner.
You encourage your partner to disclose his or her thoughts and feelings, and offer empathy in return.

You undermine self-disclosure when:

You disparage your partner’s perspective.
You routinely keep important information hidden from your partner.
You betray your partner by sharing confidential information about him or her with others.

An essential part of maintaining intimacy is creating a climate of security and trust within your relationship.