Discuss why it is important to be authentic in communication within close relationships

Answer:

Although communicating ethically is important in all contexts and relationships, it is nowhere more important than in the context of close relationships. If we communicate unethically with our friends, family, and romantic partners, the consequences may be severe. Certainly relationships have ended as a result of deception, secrecy, and even the truth, too harshly expressed. Authentic communication is particularly important in close relationships for two reasons: We expect our closest friends and family members to be authentic, or "real," with us, and authentic communication is connected to intimacy. Why is authenticity in communication an ethical issue? Because inauthentic communication attempts to manipulate the interaction or the other person for one's own goals. It can be considered a type of deception given that during inauthentic communication one hides how one really feels and misrepresents one's feelings and beliefs. In addition, inauthentic communication denies people the information they need to make an informed choice about their relationships with others.