How to Build Transparency in a Relationship
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One of the most rewarding components of the human condition is building and maintaining lasting relationships with others. However, it can also be one of the most challenging aspects of our lives. When things get stressful, hectic, or busy, our relationships are often neglected, or left to the wayside.
There are ways to make sure your relationships are as healthy as they can possibly be, though. One of the most important ways to do this is through building and maintaining transparency in a relationship. But what exactly does that mean? Why does it matter? And how can you do it?
Read on as we explore the importance of maintaining transparency in your relationships.
What Does Transparency Mean in a Relationship?
When it comes down to it, transparency is just a big word used to describe prioritizing honest and open communication between you and your relationship partner, whether in a romantic relationship, family relationship, or even professional working relationship. This is characterized by being able to openly and authentically share your thoughts and feelings with your partner in a way that helps you both to build trust and really get to know the essence of one another.
This is something that must come from both people in the relationship. If one partner either doesn’t feel comfortable enough to share their true thoughts and feelings, or makes the other partner feel as though it’s not safe to be transparent, this will never work. Both parties need to agree to prioritize transparency as a cornerstone in their relationship.
Difference of Honesty vs. Transparency
At first glance, honesty and transparency can seem like the same thing. The difference is in the level of openness and sharing between the two. Being honest can be simply giving a truthful answer to a question, when asked.
Transparency, on the other hand, is being open and generous with your thoughts and feelings without being asked or prompted. It means that you are comfortable enough in your relationship to let your true self shine through.
How To Build Transparency in Your Relationship
If transparency isn’t something you’re prioritized, or really even thought about so far in the context of your relationship, it can seem unnatural to suddenly shift to this level of openness. However, if you break the process down into smaller, more digestible steps, not only will the process seem less daunting, but it will also be more likely to stick. Here are some great ways to get started.
Open & Honest Communication
Transparency, at its core, is all about having open lines of communication between you and your partner. You can nurture this by agreeing to give one another a safe space to express yourselves. By prioritizing honesty, you can improve your communications as a couple.
At first, you may feel uncomfortable sharing things that are deeper or more personal than you’ve shared in the past, but over time, and with practice on your end, and support from your partner, this will become easier and easier, until it becomes second nature.
Set Healthy Boundaries
In order for transparency to work in a relationship, both parties must first agree on what transparency realistically looks like for them. In some relationships, this could mean sharing everything – every thought and feeling – all the time. For other couples, that can quickly become exhausting. Instead, other couples decide on what type of information they want to be transparent with, how they will communicate it to one another, and even set times to do so.
Every relationship is different, which means practicing transparency looks different on everyone.
Share Your Feelings
It can be really hard to share personal feelings, especially if they’re ones that have been buried for a long time, or if they’re not the kind of things you’re used to sharing with someone else. However, allowing yourself to be vulnerable enough to express yourself on a deeper level not only improves your communication skills, but it also puts you in closer touch with your inner voice, and can strengthen your connection with your partner.
If it all feels too overwhelming, start small. Share one seemingly insignificant thing that you wouldn’t normally share, and then gradually work your way up to full transparency – whatever that looks like within the context of your relationship.
Be Open Minded
Transparency takes a lot of acceptance, forgiveness, and open-mindedness from both parties in a relationship in order to succeed.
Especially at first, your partner may share things with you that feel out of the blue or unexpected. However, these are probably deep-seated feelings or thoughts they’ve had, but never had the courage to express before. While it may seem easier to get defensive, especially if they’re saying something you don’t want to hear, instead remind yourself that this person is being vulnerable with you and be grateful they trust you enough to share this other side of themselves with you.
What are the Benefits of Transparency in a Relationship?
Transparency in a relationship keeps each partner focused on the other. It helps them to understand the other’s needs, thoughts, desires, and wants, and gives perspective about where your partner is coming from.
Over time, this builds a deeper, more trusting, and more stable relationship that is better equipped to handle the ups and downs of life. Once you and your partner have proved to one another that your relationship is a safe space built on trust and understanding, you can find comfort in relying on one another through both good and bad times.
Encouraging Transparency in Relationships with the Aid of Coaching
Experienced life coaches like Jonette Dyer can help you achieve transparency in your relationship through targeted relationship coaching services. Her diverse training in the fields of personal coaching, life coaching, and family coaching help her to quickly understand relationship dynamics, and work with you to build the best possible relationship for you and your partner.
By learning things like
how to set appropriate boundaries and
why small actions can be so important, she’ll not only help you strengthen and learn about your relationship; she’ll also help you get to know yourself better. Reach out to Jonette Dyer to
begin your journey today.
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