“Too Old For Leo DiCaprio”: 49 Funny Photos Of Cakes That Reflect Honest Emotions

Imagine yourself receiving one of these cakes with a brutally honest text written on it. If it comes from someone you’re close to, you will likely share some laughs.

Research has shown that being brutally honest with someone you love can actually strengthen your relationship. These were findings from a January 2025 study published in Sage Journals.

The researchers focused on romantic relationships in their study. Specifically, they found that couples reported higher levels of relationship satisfaction and better well-being after having an honest and open conversation with their partners. 

The study continued for a few more months and found that people who were more honest were also more optimistic about seeing positive changes in their partners over time.

The most important takeaway researchers found was that couples didn’t need to have a shared reality about a specific topic to agree. What appeared to be more valuable was their fidelity to their partners and their significant others' perception of them as honest. 

Of course, not all experts will agree with the idea of brutal honesty. According to licensed psychologist Dr. Jonice Webb, a person may use it as an “easy out” to actually be hurtful towards another individual. 

Dr. Webb adds that phrases like “Not to be rude” or “no offense” are a form of gaslighting.

Ultimately, Dr. Webb says it all boils down to proper timing and choosing the “most effective” communication language. She noted that while speaking your truth is essential, how you deliver it matters more.