2,3 Other research shows that self-concealment in one’s relationship is linked to greater conflict. 2 Both one-time surveys and daily record studies have found negative outcomes for relationships (e.g., lower relationship satisfaction and commitment) when partners self-conceal from each other.

Some research on married couples has shown that shying away from problematic topics does help to maintain relationship satisfaction, but when the problematic issue affects whether or not the relationship can continue (e.g., being attracted to someone else, having a child with an ex-partner), it must be confronted eventually. Ezra was ultimately accepting and reassuring once Aria revealed this secret, but it remains to be seen how the other secrets in their relationship will play out. For instance, Pretty Little Liars character Aria Montgomery was afraid to tell her boyfriend Ezra Fitz about her involvement in blinding another girl, since such a serious offense might change how Ezra viewed Aria.

Even though this self-concealment has been linked to poor well-being outcomes (e.g., anxiety, stress, lower self-esteem, physical symptoms), 1 we justify our behavior by believing that circumstances call for it. When we’re the ones hiding negative parts of ourselves from others, it may come naturally to protect our images rather than seem dishonest or hurtful. But is it necessary to know absolutely everything about your significant other? And if you have a few skeletons yourself that you’d like to keep in the proverbial closet, how far would you go to keep them there? On the mystery-thriller TV series Pretty Little Liars, some of the characters resort to murder to keep their secrets safe.

People often claim, “My partner knows me inside and out.” Sure, in our close relationships, we’d like to think we know the person with whom we share our bed, our meals, and our time. Readers will furiously turn pages until the satisfying end.If you missed the first post in this series about family secrets, Got a Secret, Can You Keep It?, check it out here. ★ “ The mystery unfurls at a deliciously escalating pace, filled with believable red herrings and shocking twists. ★ “ With complex characters and intricate plotting, McManus delivers a fast-paced, twisty whodunit” - Publishers Weekly, Starred McManus is in a league of her own” -Entertainment Weekly A New York Times, ABA IndieBound, and international bestsellerĪ Winter 2018-2019 Kids' Indie Next List SelectionĪmazon Editors' Pick for Best YA of the Month, January 2019Ī Junior Library Guild Spring 2019 SelectionĪ YALSA 2020 Best Young Adult Fiction NomineeĪ Top 10 Selection of the YALSA 2020 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult ReadersĪ Goodreads Best Young Adult Book of the Year NomineeĪn Amazon 2019 Best Young Adult Book of the YearĪ Kirkus 2019 Best Young Adult Book of the Year

One of us can keep a secret