Relationship Rules You Don't Have to Follow
These adages have been the foundation for countless successful wedding toasts—too bad they don't serve the happy couple as well. Here, some pearls of wisdom that have lost their shine.
By Valerie Ross
Breakable Rule #4: Be honest about your feelings, no matter what.
There's this idea that it's your feelings, so you can say whatever you want," says Alexandra Solomon, a clinical psychologist at the Family Institute at Northwestern University. People who hope to end up closer to their partners by sharing those innermost thoughts—no matter what they are—can find their relationships in trouble; it’s not called "brutal honesty" for nothing. You wouldn't tell your best friend, your mother, your coworker or even an acquaintance your feelings without taking theirs into consideration; don't do it to your partner, either.
Published 03/12/2013