"Guts typically refer to "innards," and truth and compassion live at the core of an ever-deepening relationship. Referring to someone as having "guts" typically denotes some measure of bravery. That's also true when a couple commits to truth-telling accompanied by compassion. Revealing what lives at our core takes courage, and expressing it without being offensive demands practice. It is only too easy for a shaming smirk or an amplified tone to hurt the listener."
"Most of us come from families that either suppressed our feelings or encouraged unbridled entitlement to speak with no discretion. Each option tends to significantly compromise trust and the deepening of rapport. In either case, the feeling of freedom to be ourselves is inhibited. Suppressed truths, not spoken, may be acted out behaviorally, often in passive-aggressive ways that may include lecturing, analyzing, withholding important information, forgetting agreements, sarcasm, withdrawing, and responding in extended silence."
Truth-telling in committed relationships requires courage, compassion, and ongoing practice to express vulnerable content without causing harm. Fear, shame, and learned family patterns shape whether individuals suppress feelings or speak without discretion. Suppressed truths often emerge as passive-aggressive behaviors such as lecturing, withholding information, sarcasm, withdrawal, or extended silence. Uncensored expression can rupture psychological safety and undermine rapport. Releasing justifications and explanations, and listening with sensitivity and empathy, supports clearer, kinder communication. Practicing clarity and compassionate listening strengthens relationship safety, deepens trust, and allows partners to express core needs honestly.
Read at Psychology Today
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