Lying vs. Telling the Truth...and do we know how to truly communicate anyway?
We've all been dealing with these issues since childhood. And we have vastly different responses and reactions to the topic, based on these life experiences. How was communication dealt with in our families? If you told the truth about something that your parent(s) didn't approve of, were you chastised and punished for the misdeed, or was your honesty appreciated, over and above what happened?
Communication, for a specific outcome, is actually selfish. Engaging in an open conversation about sexuality, where the two parties are willing to discuss divergent views, and be open to each others' perspectives is too mature for most people to expect.
In other words, just because you want to have 'the talk' with your spouse about opening up your sexual boundaries, doesn't mean that she/he should comply. It's called a discussion. If you really want to have the brave conversation, then you truly want to listen as keenly as you want to speak. But, for most couples, this is so beyond the scope of their understanding and skill of communication, as to be a laughable prospect.
All this talk about morality is nauseatingly preachy. As if anyone else can judge anyone else's behaviour, or reasons therefore, or even define morality ...pathetic. English is such a limited language, we all want to define a word that, in fact, requires such a personal definition. And did you and your spouse even really 'know' each other before you made your agreements? Barely. So what I believe tant is saying is, "now what?" Are you suddenly going to become great communicators, open up the communication heavenly gates with each other? I suspect not.
So, what's left? The notion that, 'what he/she doesn't know, won't hurt them." That is by far, the safest route. Until you can figure out how to improve your communication skills with each other, and that starts with the realization that you have communication challenges, period. That would be a breath-of-fresh-air honesty right there!!!
I beg you...don't just wake up one morning and decide to be
honest with your spouse, ffs! Honesty is a complex topic, and I wouldn't ever take it lightly. If true honesty is in your future, I suggest you start working on your communication skills now, which starts with getting to know yourself first. That is a big enough undertaking for starters...
"We all "do deception," often with the intention to protect ourselves and the relationships we depend on. The Dance of Deception unravels the ways (and whys) that women show the false and hide the real—even to our own selves. We see how our relationships are affected by lying and faking, by silence and pretending, and by brave—but misguided—efforts to tell the truth.
Truth-telling is at the heart of what is most central in women's lives. It is at the foundation of authenticity and creativity, intimacy and joy. Yet in the name of "honesty," we can bludgeon each other."
From:
http://harrietlerner.com/pages/readersguides/THE_DANCE_OF_DECEPTION_RG.pdf
Don't go around bludgeoning others, in the name of your desire to be 'honest'...