When it comes to human communication, there are certain norms that guide how people communicate with each other. These norms include what topics are appropriate to discuss, what tone is used when communicating, and even how personal information is disclosed.
When it comes to interactions between individuals who are attracted to each other, these norms can be significantly altered due to the influence of attraction. Attraction has the power to shape how people interact with one another, including the way they share and withhold information. This essay will explore how attraction impacts communication around confidentiality.
Confidentiality refers to the practice of keeping personal or sensitive information private. In general, people tend to follow strict guidelines when it comes to sharing confidential information.
Doctors are expected to keep their patients' medical records private, while lawyers must maintain client confidentiality. Similarly, friends should not disclose secrets shared in confidence to others. When two people are attracted to each other, however, this norm may change. Because attraction creates a feeling of intimacy and closeness, some may feel comfortable revealing more personal information than they would with someone else. Others may choose to withhold information out of fear that it could damage the relationship if revealed.
The desire for intimacy can also lead to the reshaping of information. Someone might be hesitant to share something they know about their partner because they worry it could harm the relationship. On the flip side, someone may find themselves reshaping information so as not to hurt their partner's feelings.
If a person knows their partner has been unfaithful but doesn't want to cause conflict, they may choose to avoid bringing up the subject altogether. This type of manipulation can have serious consequences, leading to dishonesty and mistrust within the relationship.
Attraction can also influence what is withheld from communication entirely. People may feel pressure to keep certain aspects of their life hidden from their partner, especially if they don't want to face criticism or judgment.
A woman who is overweight may not feel comfortable talking about her weight around her partner out of fear that he will judge her negatively. Or a man who struggles with depression may not want to discuss his mental health issues due to stigma surrounding mental illness. This withholding of information can lead to problems down the road, as partners may eventually feel like they cannot trust one another.
While attraction may create a sense of closeness and intimacy between two people, it can also alter the way they communicate around confidentiality. Information may be shared more freely than usual, reshaped in order to protect others, or withheld completely. While this can seem harmless at first, it can ultimately damage relationships if left unchecked. It is essential for couples to understand how attraction affects their communication norms and work together to establish boundaries that promote honesty and openness.
How does attraction alter communication norms around confidentiality, influencing what is shared, withheld, or reshaped?
Attraction can influence communication norms regarding confidentiality by causing individuals to share information that they might not normally disclose due to feelings of intimacy or closeness towards their partner. This can lead to greater levels of openness and transparency within relationships, but it can also increase the risk of sharing sensitive or personal information with someone who may not be trustworthy.