Deception In Romantic Relationships

Deception undeniably plays an intricate position in romantic relationships. Most partners trust that their lovers are authentic, conscientious, and forthright (Cole 2001). However, a whopping 92 percent of individuals in relationships have confessed to being dishonest and often times have misled their companions (Cole, 2001). For that reason, it is believed that when an individual is unable to recognize deceit they automatically conclude they are being told the truth (Levine & McCornack, 1992). When one partner discovers the deception of the other, it is inevitable that negative consequences will follow. This paper will use existing research to investigate the use of deception in romantic relationships, the consequences of deceit in those relationships, and ultimately the reasons for dishonesty.

Research

Use of Deception

Deception can be defined as “the conscious attempt to create or perpetuate false impressions among other communicators” (Jang 2008). Although being misleading is an intentional effort to achieve specific objectives, individuals in romantic relationships usually misled each other without planning or thinking twice about it. Often times, the use of deception are controlled by ones emotions (Cole, 2006). According to Cole, just like many styles of communication, the act of

To give each term more clarity, lies deliver false information. They are messages that fabricate authenticity. Messages that alter the magnitude of the truth are called exaggerations. These messages usually offer more facts than that which is essentially true. When one conceals or hides information they are telling half-truths. Secrets occur when an individual keeps something completely unknown. Lastly, diversionary responses are strategies used to distract ones concentration away from facts (Turner, et al.,