do you think open communication helps a relationship more than hurts it?

To me, communication is one of the most important keys to having a good, strong relationship. It may hurt sometimes when being honest, but I would rather have my partner be honest as apposed to not telling me the truth and I find out about it later. At least if he is upfront with me we have a chance to work through it, if he is not honest then you are left with broken trust and that is very hard to earn back.

some people, yes

Thats sounds really unfair but pretty true......what can I say? I think its cause of we are all in the realistic world ....

I agree with both of the previous answers. I think everything should be out in the open. Once my husband told me that I shouldn't have even told him. He said he would be better off not knowing. No I didnt cheat on him, but I got in touch with one of my ex-boy friends to get his stuff back to him. It caused all kind of mess with his girlfriend and my husband. I only told my husband bc my ex was supposed to call back and I didnt want my hubby picking up the phone and my ex ask for me. Sometimes it is best to keep certain secrets to yourself, especially ones from your past. I learned this the hard way. It caused me to lose a guy I loved very much and find out that he was messing on me behing me back.

Yes that is so true Sometimes its better to shut your mouth and you dont need to utter those sentences which might hurt someone Dont be too frank

it helps it

I think relationships should be open. If you have a good relationship you should be able to say things without them being mean

Sometimes the truth hurts...but a lie is even more devistating.For me..I can deal with the truth at least I would know and can deal with that...It's the unknown stuff that bits ya in tha A$$.

I don't know, I kind of have to agree with you. At least about the little things. Like, if I think my husband should... wash the dishes more I can talk to him about it, but chances are its just going to lead to this whole thing about him working and I'm home so why can't I wash the dishes, etc. So instead, I just tell myself, I can wash the dishes, it's no big deal. It's hard to be honest and not hurt the other person's feelings, and sometimes that person is just not the type who can forgive and forget easily, so maybe it is just easier, again for the LITTLE things, to keep quiet and let it blow over.