What's the Downside of Lying to a Romantic Partner?

While deception helps us...

• avoid hurting others
• avoid conflict
• and regain a sense of freedom and control

... lying in a close relationship is not completely cost free.

Using deception, especially with a romantic partner, can lead to a lot of problems in its own right.

Deception...

• destroys trust and creates distance
• limits a partner's choices
• and it's hard to contain