Honest Communication: The Heart of an Authentic Bond
- Lidija Poth
- Oct 26
- 2 min read
A Walk with Bobbie
As I walked with my dog Bobbie this morning, the crisp air of October 26, 2025, carried thoughts of honest communication in love. Bobbie’s steady pace mirrored my mind—how do we speak our truth to build authentic relationships? I realized it’s the heartbeat of connection.
The Essence of Honest Dialogue
Honest communication is more than words—it’s the courage to share our inner world. Robert Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love frames love as intimacy, passion, and commitment. Communication fuels each: it deepens intimacy through understanding, sustains passion through desire, and reinforces commitment through trust. Bobbie paused to sniff a flower, and I smiled—simple moments remind me to listen fully.
John Gottman, in The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, writes, “Successful long-term relationships are created through small words, small gestures, and small acts.” This struck me. A past relationship faltered when I avoided difficult talks, leaving intimacy shallow and passion fleeting. A client mirrored this, her marriage reviving when she spoke her needs clearly.
Breaking Through Barriers
Why do we avoid honesty? Fear of conflict or rejection silences us. I’ve held back, assuming I’d be misunderstood, letting ego block truth. Without communication, Sternberg’s triangle wobbles—intimacy becomes guarded, passion dims, and commitment erodes. Gottman’s research shows couples who communicate openly build “love maps,” knowing each other deeply.
A friend transformed her relationship by addressing a recurring argument calmly, fostering intimacy and commitment. For me, voicing a boundary in a past partnership reignited passion, proving honesty’s power. Communication aligns Sternberg’s elements, creating authenticity.
Practicing Honest Communication
How do we cultivate it? Start with small truths—sharing feelings, asking questions. I’ve practiced this, expressing my need for deeper talks, which enriched intimacy. A client did the same, her relationship thriving as passion returned. Gottman emphasizes “soft startups”—gentle, non-blaming conversations—that nurture trust.
For me, honest communication means showing my mature self, flaws included. This attracts partners who value truth, not perfection. A client found love when she stopped hinting and spoke directly, embracing Sternberg’s full triangle.
A Call to Speak Your Truth
This journey is transformative. How can honest communication strengthen your intimacy, passion, or commitment? What truth will you share today? Share your thoughts below or book a FREE Discovery Session | MyLifeCoachingHub to explore. Follow @mylifecoachinghub for more. Let’s connect with honesty!
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