Honesty is essential in relationships; however, brutal honesty can signify something more than just openness and respect in partners.
Brutal honesty can be a relationship flag as it can be toxic to some. For instance, it might show that the brutally honest partner cares less about their lover’s feelings, emotions or opinions, especially when addressing them in a raised voice. Presenting or expressing your ‘facts’ in a high-pitched voice might make one feel hurt internally and trigger mixed feelings about your pure intentions. It’s a surprising relationship red flag as it indicates a lack of support in one’s values and may open doors for emotional abuse in partners. The idea that individuals value their thoughts or opinions and make it clear in their communication implies you are stepping into a toxic territory as they won’t prioritize your feelings but what they deem right.
Brutal honesty is one of the warning signs of emotional abuse, as one partner prefers their bluntness more than their lover’s wants, feelings, or ideas, leading to the power imbalance in the relationship.
