Study Says Brutal Honesty Strengthens Friendships

Two couples ;hanging out having coffee and playing cards

Multiracial friends having fun and playing game of cards UNO against christmas tree

Is honesty the best policy? Have you had a friend who asked you to be brutally honest with them and you were reluctant to tell them the hard truth? Perhaps you were the person that was on the receiving end of tough and honest feedback and weren't comfortable with it.

We may say that we want the honest truth and feedback but, it is hard to both deliver it and receive it. Feelings can be hurt and it could cause lasting damage.

It takes two brave people to have a brutally honest conversation. The best of these situation‘s are when both are being open to criticism, no matter how brutal it can be. If it is only one person doling it out, it’s not fun for the recipient.

Tough talks can be brutal but the results are good

A recent study from the University of Rochester reveals that being brutally honest in relationships has significant benefits, even during challenging conversations.

Researchers observed 214 long-term romantic couples discussing changes one partner wanted the other to make. Both expressed and perceived honesty led to improved emotional well-being, higher relationship satisfaction, and increased motivation to change immediately after the conversation.

Couples that did this found that they had greater satisfaction within their relationship even three months later. That shows long lasting effects of honesty are possible after the tough conversation is done.

The study emphasizes the importance of authentic communication in strengthening The relationship with both parties, desiring to improve the quality of their time together. It is also important that the line of communication remain open throughout the entire day of the relationship, otherwise, old habits cannot return.(Studyfinds)

Friends Psychology Relationships

Bob BronsonEditor

Bob is a native New Englander, growing up (sorta) in Maine where his love for radio started at a young age. While in high school he hosted radio shows on a local radio station, and he has never looked back. Bob joined the US Navy and served onboard the Sixth Fleet Flagship as a radio and TV host. After serving for 3 years, it was off to Emerson College in Boston. Bob hosted shows in Boston on WMEX, WVBF and WSSH in the 80’s and 90’s before heading to radio stations in Raleigh, NC, Manchester, NH, and New York City. Bob has been married for almost 25 years to Carolyn, a Woburn gal and they have 3 daughters, Nicole, Taylor, and Bridget. Bob and Carolyn are proud first-time grandparents to baby Caroline, who they plan to spoil every chance they get! “I started my career in New England and could not be happier to come back to Boston where I can root for all the Boston sports teams and eat lots of lobster rolls and clam chowder (okay not lots)… It is an honor to host the WROR morning show with LBF and wake up the World’s Greatest City!” Bob writes about recipes and restaurants, pop culture and trending topics.