Honest communication can be perceived as threatening to a relationship's stability or public reputation.
If one person is afraid that being truthful about their feelings will result in rejection, they may choose to lie instead. This kind of dishonesty can lead to long-term damage to the relationship or even legal consequences if discovered.
There are instances where maintaining an untruthful facade for the sake of preserving social norms may be necessary for personal safety or acceptance from others.
One example is when someone comes out as LGBTQ+ in a homophobic environment. If they were honest about their identity, they might face discrimination, violence, or even losing their job or family. In this case, it makes sense to keep their sexual orientation hidden, despite the fact that it goes against relational honesty. The same principle applies to those who engage in sex work or other controversial activities considered immoral by society. They may feel forced to conceal their occupation to avoid shunning from friends and colleagues.
Another scenario involves disclosing past mistakes or traumas. It is essential to be open with partners about our history, but some people fear shame or judgment for what they have done in the past. As such, they may omit information or paint themselves in a more positive light than they actually deserve. This deception undermines trust between partners and prevents them from truly knowing each other. Yet, given the pressure to present oneself in a favorable light on social media, many people struggle to be completely transparent online.
While relational honesty promotes healthy communication and trust, sometimes situations require us to prioritize our own safety or public image over full transparency. We should be aware of these tradeoffs and weigh the potential risks before choosing which path to take. By doing so, we can maintain our integrity while also protecting ourselves and those around us.
What ethical challenges emerge when relational honesty conflicts with social safety or public acceptance?
When there is a conflict between relational honesty and social safety/public acceptance, it can create an ethical challenge because individuals may feel pressure to maintain the status quo of their relationships or society's expectations instead of being honest. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, or fear if they choose to be truthful.