Heterosexuality has been the dominant mode of human sexuality for centuries. It is understood that hetero people are more likely to feel comfortable discussing their romantic inclinations, preferences, and interests than those who identify themselves as homosexuals, bisexuals, asexual, pansexual, polyamorous, or non-binary. As such, it would seem that there's an implicit advantage in disclosing your sexual orientation.
A study published in 2016 suggests otherwise.
In the study, researchers looked at how concealing one's sexual orientation affected relational negotiation and compromise among lesbian and gay couples. The findings revealed that concealment may have some advantages when it comes to negotiating certain aspects of life together.
When dealing with family members who disapprove of same-sex relationships, concealment can help preserve peace within the relationship. It also gives you time to prepare yourself psychologically before coming out publicly - which many gays/lesbians still do after marriage due to fear of social stigma.
Concealment is associated with various challenges, including the need to keep secrets from one's partner. This can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, anxiety, depression, and resentment.
Hiding your true self from others prevents intimacy, which is necessary for healthy relationships. In addition, if one party in the couple is open about their sexual identity but the other remains hidden, this can create tension between them over whether they should come out or not. This may lead to increased conflict and decreased satisfaction with the relationship overall.
Concealing one's sexual orientation has pros and cons in terms of relationship negotiation and compromise. While it might buy you some time to adjust to new situations or protect those around you from judgment, it also introduces potential problems down the line. So while keeping things under wraps isn't necessarily a bad thing per se, openness is ultimately best for creating strong relationships based on trust and mutual understanding.
In what ways does concealment of sexual orientation affect relational negotiation and compromise?
Concealing one's sexual orientation has far-reaching effects on relational negotiation and compromise, as it can lead to feelings of isolation, fear, and anxiety that may impact interactions with others. It may also hinder open communication, reduce trust and intimacy, and create distance between partners who are unaware of each other's true identities.