Psychologist reveals two things you should never tell your partner

Honesty is the best policy when it comes to any relationship - for the most part.

While it's great being able to speak your mind, share your thoughts on things and discuss all matters from your day at work to the state of the political climate - it's clear that communication is key in the weird and wonderful world of love.

But, according to psychologists, some things are better left unsaid, as research has increasingly suggested that knowing when not to speak can sometimes be better for your relationship than simply spurting out the cold, hard truth whenever you see fit.

Yep, in certain scenarios, making the conscious decision to choose kindness over 'telling it like it is' will be better for you and your partner in the long term, the experts claim.

Research has revealed two things you should never say to your partner (Getty Stock Images)

Bodily changes

This is the first thing that psychologist Mark Travers has warned against telling your partner about.

Look, in a long-term relationship, it's only natural to experience changes to your appearance.

Whether that's gaining weight, losing weight, greying hairs, the addition of a new wrinkle or a pimple slap-bang in the middle of their forehead - Travers told Forbes that while pointing something like this out may feel like you're doing them a favour in helping them look after themselves, such observations with the best intentions at heart can come across as nitpicking.

Research published in Family, Systems, & Health outlines that around 55 percent of people will leave a conversation about their weight with their partner feeling worse about themselves.

And, if you needed more of a reason not to comment on your SO's weight, this finding was irrespective of how the conversation was initially framed.

Yep, whether you joke about them 'filling out lately' or straight-up call them out for gaining weight, the result is likely to be the same and bring about feelings of insecurity, embarrassment and self-consciousness.

So, next time you get the urge to draw attention to a bodily change, which your partner will no doubt have already clocked themselves given the fact they live in their own body every single day, take a second to ask yourself if what you’re about to say is truly necessary.

Take a second to ask yourself if what you’re about to say is truly necessary (Maria Korneeva / Getty Images)

Unconstructive criticism

Now, it's totally A-OK for there to be things about your partner you're not totally obsessed with - be it certain lifestyle choices, bad habits or general other pet peeves.

And, on some occasions, you may even feel the urge to tell them such things in the name of honesty but, unless it comes from a place of genuine desire to help your partner better themselves, Travers points out that there is a very fine line between being helpful and needlessly critical.

Yep, they may view what you think is useful life coaching as simply an attack on their character.

According to a study published in Behavior Therapy, the ways your partner will perceive your criticisms of them can dramatically vary.

With that said, though, this does largely depend on how such criticisms are being framed.

The study showed that constructive feedback, however, is paired with reports of a stronger, more stable relationship so be sure whatever you say is coming from a kind and loving place over hostility.

And if you feel you don't have the capacity in you that day to be constructive, then Travers says that sometimes being silent is the best route to take.

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