CarnalNation

Being true to yourself may make for better romantic relationships.

New research examined how relationships were impacted by the ability of people to interact honestly, behave in ways consistent with their beliefs and see themselves objectively. Findings indicated that those who reported being true to themselves also reported more positive romantic relationships.

“If you’re true to yourself, it is easier to act in ways that build intimacy in relationships, and that’s going to make your relationship more fulfilling,” explains lead author Amy Brunell. “It shouldn’t be a surprise, but being true to yourself is linked to having healthier and happier relationships for both men and women.”

The study involved 62 heterosexual college-aged couples who completed three sets of questionnaires administered at approximately two week intervals. The first set asked questions about “dispositional authenticity” and examined how true participants were to themselves. The second set addressed relationship functioning and the third phase probed relationship satisfaction and personal well-being.

Researchers found that those who reported being more true to themselves were more intimate with their partners and indicated greater personal well-being. The study also replicated findings from previous research suggesting that constructive behavior in relationships in linked to partner satisfaction.

But the study revealed an interesting gender difference in how authenticity in men and women impacts their partners. Men who reported being true to themselves had partners with more healthy relationship behaviors, while there was no significant relationship between dispositional authenticity in women and their partners’ relationship behaviors.

The researchers believe that this discrepancy may be related to prescribed gender roles.

“Typically in dating and marital relationships, the women tend to be ‘in charge’ of intimacy in the relationship,” suggests Brunell. “So when men have this dispositional authenticity, and want to have an open, honest relationship, it makes women’s job easier – they can more easily regulate intimacy.”

Brunell also cautions that being true to ourselves does not mean that we should accept all of our flaws and reject positive changes. Instead, we should acknowledge our limitations and potential areas for improvement. Better romantic relationships may be just one of the prospective benefits.