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Your romantic partner is typically someone you think you know quite well. The two of you share deep parts of your life, building more and more trust as the relationship progresses. However, as one viral Reddit post has recently shown, even the closest people keep secrets from one another.

It all started when u/dusty_ninja asked other users on the platform, "What is the darkest thing you have kept from your partner?" The answers immediately came pouring in, ranging from icky and cruel to sad and heartbreaking. Here are some of the most memorable ones.

#1

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years I never told my wife that her mother tried to have sex with me. It was early in our marriage when we were living with her to save money for our own place. Her marriage of 28 years had ended badly and she was emotionally fragile. She was very drunk and was absolutely horrified at what she had done when she sobered up. I promised not to ever tell my wife and I never did, even when she and I were fighting near the end of our marriage. Some things are too cruel to do, even when you're trying to hurt each other.

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Victor Botha
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are a decent human for not bringing that up even at the end of your marriage

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Sometimes we feel a desire to "unburden ourselves" to someone we just started dating. But they aren't necessarily interested in a long-term relationship and/or feeling obliged to keep our secrets. Trying to connect with another person but keeping a healthy distance can be tricky.

Dating coach Hayley Quinn, who helps men and women to build confidence and get their mojo back, told Bored Panda that "it's good to be authentic with people we meet, and be our 'true selves' so we can work out if there's a connection. However, you can miss the mark of authenticity and crash land into oversharing if you do this before you've had a chance to build trust."

To explain her point, Quinn invited us to imagine revealing our deepest, darkest secret to the barista who serves us our morning coffee. "You wouldn't do it, right? With social relationships we have to phase into openness and before we share, make sure the other person is on the same page. Make sure you check out if they're happy with where the conversation is going by making statements like 'let me know if I'm going off on a tangent here' or 'you can tell me if this is too much information for date 2.' This also brings levity to the interaction. Finally, make sure that interaction is 2-sided. You don't want to dump all your emotions on a person without being willing to also hear them out."

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#2

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years He wanted to find a shark tooth so badly after I found one at the beach. So I went and bought a small bottle of shark teeth from the gift shop, spread them out all over a strip of beach we were hanging at and marveled at every shark tooth he brought me. I can never tell him the truth.

BarbarianTHEdarian , flickr Report

#3

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years I cheated on my wife....when she wasn't looking at a family pot luck.

My wife and her sister put their peanut butter cupcakes side by side on the table and her sister makes crazy good cupcakes. My sister in law made peanut butter cupcakes with real peanut butter filling AND filled it with Reese's Peanut Butter chips. My wife only put a tiny bit of peanut butter topping on hers with no PB filling. I kept making excuses to go back to the dessert table and scarf down my sis in laws cupcakes especially when little kids were near it to make it look like they were eating most of the cupcakes. Didn't even touch my wife's cupcakes.

spicedpumpkins , pexels Report

According to Sheri Stritof's article on VeryWell Mind, which has been reviewed and approved by psychiatrist Carly Snyder, we do not have to share everything with another person if things get serious as well. We have the right to privacy in any relationship, including with our spouse, partner, and family. In a healthy commitment, both parties have to acknowledge the sense of emotional and physical privacy needed for their mental well-being, otherwise, ironically, a couple ends up limiting their intimacy with one another, not enhancing it.

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Hayley Quinn agrees to this line of thinking. "Being in a relationship is not a contract to disclose everything about our lives. For a lot of people it's important to have built a degree of trust before being candid: you may not want to tell someone about your past on date 1, but by 2 months in you may feel more comfortable to be open," she said.

"The important question to ask yourself when it comes to when and if you should disclose information is whether it would make a material difference to the relationship today. Things like health conditions, criminal records, children all will have a bearing on whether someone is happy to continue building a relationship with you. Also remember that ultimately you need acceptance from your partner, so rather than fearing you're going to put them off, prioritize instead finding someone that supports you totally."

#4

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years I’m from south Louisiana and my dad is in a Mardi Gras Crew. Every year he’s on a float throwing beads.

My husband has never been to Mardi Gras so his first time he was so excited and it was at my dad’s parade. Normally people on the floats throw the “good beads” to kids or women that will flash them.

I told my husband that if you yell “throw me something mister!” loud enough the people on the float will give you the “good beads.”

I told my dad and he told his float buddies, when their float came around my husband was screaming like a banshee “THROW ME SOMETHING MISTER!”

My dad and his friend pelted my husband with their best beads. When we were leaving the parade my husband was flexing all his nice new beads and thinks Mardi Gras is the best thing ever.

Didn’t have the heart to tell him that I told my dad to do that. He just thinks that because he was so enthusiastic, he got all the good stuff.

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#5

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years I freakin HATE Dungeons & Dragons.

It bores me to tears.

Yet I've orchestrates an elaborate lie that gives the illusion I love it as much as he does and once a month I have to spend 5 hours sitting through a session bored to tears.

I do this simply because its one of the few hobbies in his life he gets to enjoy and I want him to have someone to play it with.

It's been going on for 5 years now, and I have no way out lol

It's OK though, the amount of joy I see he gets from playing it gives me comparable joy. So I don't mind that much.

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Rick
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Be warned, I had an ex who had what I thought was a boring hobby and indulged joining in with it for years before I finally confessed…he told me that he thought it was my hobby and I enjoyed it and was just putting up with it for me. So we basically both spent two years (and money) on a hobby that neither of us actually enjoyed.

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Secrets that can hurt your marriage are ones concerning:

  • Having an affair;
  • Job problems;
  • Keeping an addiction or substance use habits hidden;
  • Legal problems;
  • Lending money;
  • Lying about how you spend money;
  • Not paying bills;
  • Not revealing an illness;
  • Seeing family and friends secretly.

But there are some things you might consider keeping to yourself, like:

  • The exact number of people you've slept with;
  • How great your ex was;
  • Finding your partner's best friend really hot;
  • Hating someone in their family or close friend circle.
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At the end of the day, every couple decides where to draw the line. They both, however, need to play by the same rules.

#7

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years Sometimes I buy a chocolate bar when I go to the grocery store and eat it before i get home…

jimmykslay , flickr Report

#8

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years Not that dark, but I really really did not like her wedding dress...

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#9

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years I have anxiety attacks when my SO is away. We joke about me believing he's dead when I don't hear from him often enough, but it's real. Like hyperventilating, heart racing, crying, rocking back and forth-real.

He loves going on roadtrips and does landscape photography. I can't ruin that for him.

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Falcon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And if that doesn't work, then there is an interesting gps app that my friend once used when his wife went on a really long drive for the first time after getting her license. You can keep an eye on them and see that they are completely fine. BUT ONLY for that reason and with the consent of the other person!

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Burs
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get extremely sad when my partner wants to have some me time in a different room. I know rationally that he needs it and it’s healthy for him so I won’t tell him. But I feel abandoned. (And ashamed of it). Strangely I don’t feel this way if he is out with other people, then I am glad for him.

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Sergio Bicerra
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get tou, it feels like 'so near, so far' You know when people wnt to make a pool jump they step back before doing it? That's what many people do: take a step back have their alone time, decompress, wipe all bad feelings and jump to your arms again.

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Sathe Wesker
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not a doctor or psychiatrist but it sounds like you have anxiety. My boyfriend does have it and I see it in little ways, only because he takes medication and talks to a therapist every month. It helps. Also, he is a mechanic and sometimes a job will run way too late for when he is supposed to be home and I HAVE to call him to make sure he is ok. So I get it. But, maybe talk to someone. Or, maybe even go on the trips with him?

idrow avatar
Id row
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, you have to get to the root cause of that and deal with it. It's not healthy.

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Deepali Sharma Agarwal
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tell him .,.. I know how it feels!!! I always have a feeling that whenever my partner is on road, I m restless. I need to know he has reached safe n sound. I told him about it and asked him that everytime he goes on trips he has to msg/call me when he reaches to his destination. He does its been years now and he always calls me n msgs. It keeps.me calm n sorted for his travel. You got to tell ur partner splly whn these thinks relate to mental health. Loads of love and take care!!

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SobyKay
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's so sad on so many levels - that you have a mental health problem not receiving attention, that you cover it to the point of joking about it, that you sacrifice your mental health for the sake of of your SO's hobbies....this really seems like something you need to come clean about.

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Rachael Smith
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

❤❤❤ lots of love and support headed your way, lady. Your very strong to give him this gift

ladydelynn avatar
LadyDelynn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe ask to go with him every now and then and share his passion.

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Jill Pulcifer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have the same problem with my husband and kids. Im sure stems back to my mom getting hit by a truck and dying, and me calling her over and over with the mounting knowledge of dread. Logically I know that the odds they are not fine are very slim, BUT once you make those calls and it turns out that the worst has happened, you can never find that reassurance in the odds again. Its like that 99.9% chance I am over reacting means absolutely nothing now, thankfully my family knows this and is pretty good about answering calls and checking in, but in a way that just serves to make those odd times I cant reach them all the more terrifying.

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Mathieu Brouwers
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Confess a mild form of your anxiety to him. Then ask him to send you a message on social media every morning and evening or whenever he can. It won't help much, but it will give some relief and acceptance.

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Lynn Morello
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Talk to him about your anxiety and stop talking about pretending he is dead, Think more that he is away with work, or out on an adventure. Joking about thinking he is dead, will only make your anxiety worse.

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Riley Quinn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've got this out-in-left-field idea. Instead of sitting home alone, spiraling thru various dark scenarios, why not pick up the phone and make an appointment with a therapist about your co-dependency.

aprilpickett_3846 avatar
April Pickett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Get some help. It's hard to take that first step toward therapy and then you have to find someone you can trust with you. It's worth it though.

adamhendron avatar
Buck Up
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Perhaps and more "committed " relationship would help? Maybe take a vow, or where a constant symbol of your devotion to each other.

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Vic Cooper
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What’s an SO? What do you do with all that time you saved by making it short?

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Anna Snorrepot
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

apply statistics: what are the chances of him coming to hurt? That said: I prepare for funeral each time :/

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Maria Persson
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

By telling your needs, fears, etc., you are having open and honest communication with your partner. If my partner had challenges like these, I'd be very sad if he/she would not share them with me. Sharing is not the same as demanding. If he feels "ruined" because you have your challenges, it's not a very considerate partner. I'd talk to him and also get therapy. Get a therapist that works with attachment theories. Good luck

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snipergun
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Join him for trips and practice first with shorter time periods. It may sound weird but it's same like training a dog and it's best you can do. And find your hobby you can do. And for sure search for professional help.

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CeeJay
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So he goes off on roadtrips and leaves you at home....

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David Gripon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How precious. My ex would only do that when I didn't go somewhere.

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alwaysupsidedown
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First of all: awwww! Second one: go to therapist, you deserve help with this!

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MidnightSky
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is unhealthy, I hope you can get help and overcome it :(

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Don't Look
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You aren't alone. I'm actually of the understanding that there's medication that can be taken for this.

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lara
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First of all, good on you. Second, there is no way NOT to be afraid of something bad happening, BECAUSE something bad always happens. Not all the time and, certainly, not always to you. This is how I deal with it. It is my umbrella theory. If I carry an umbrella it will not rain. If I wash my car it will. In other words be prepared for the worst, it gives you a feeling of being in control and that is what scares people the most, not being in control. You cannot control anything, BUT you can prepare yourself for the worst, make plans and it gives you a feeling of control.

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Not Proud British
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

CBT courses might help. Look for CBT books on Amazon. Basically what you need to do is analyse that thought. How realistic is it? How often has he gone and come home safe? What reasoning do you have for these thoughts? What is the most likely scenario here? Try to interrogate your thoughts as you would if you were a police officer. Ask for proof, for evidence. The more you question your negative thoughts, the better you will get at it. But honestly get a self help book and if you can afford to, a CBT therapist.

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Skara Brae
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I guess something is preventing you from going with him? Is there a way to work around the problem? (Edit: I keep forgetting I have to go to reddit to respond properly)

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Concept-Peter Roosdorp
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You need to deal with this. Worst case senario, it will come true. Men pass on at a younger age than women, so the risk is high that he will pass before you.

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Annabelle Janous
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

you should be honest, it doenst mean that he cant travel, just ask him to to check in often so you know hes ok

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ispeak catanese
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not to be mean to you Annabelle, lovely name BTW, but she should deal with her anxiety and not put the responsibility on him to check in. Otherwise, it'll be something else that will cause her anxiety and she needs to develop the skill to control it. Speaking from my own experience.

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Rick
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2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Stop making and encouraging jokes about things that upset you then, surely?

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Jo Johannsen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She's trying to cope. This almost sounds as if you are making fun of her.

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Burs
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No. That is a person who has anxiety problems. Which are totally natural but not to be celebrated.

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#10

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years I was born with only one hand. I have rheumatoid arthritis in the one hand I have, and I know it’s spreading. I have osteoarthritis in my lower back and scoliosis to the point where I am most likely going to need spine surgery. I’m only 31 years old. I can’t do this for another 50+ years. I am in such bad pain now and it’s only going to get worse. I have thought of suicide but I can’t do that to my husband and kids. I don’t want my husband to turn into a care giver. I can’t envision not being able to take care of myself.

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Rick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You need to tell him and - depending on their ages - possibly the kids too so plans can be put in place and everyone is aware in case this thing suddenly accelerates throughout your body

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#11

That the real root of my trust issues stem from how I was sexually assaulted by my extremely religious godparents’ son when I was 11-12. It first started out with comments about my body, how I was “filling out”, then it evolved from there. My parents would send me to their house for whole summers and I particularly remember that one, my mom came to visit and I practically begged her to take me home. She adamantly refused even after I told her I was not comfortable and was scared and she still left me with them. I guess from there I just slowly stopped trusting the ones closest to me.

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Scagsy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really think that you need to talk to somebody about this. Preferably a therapist. You don't have to deal with it on your own.

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#12

I ate all 4 sleeves of oreos in one sitting.

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#13

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years Exactly how bad of a person I used to be before I met her. She knows I was into drugs and some other dumb stuff, but she doesn't know the depths of depravity I delved to in order to fit in with the people I mistakenly wasted my time with.

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#14

I was crying, and told my boyfriend someone had kissed me.

He asked if it was his 30 year old cousin.

I said yes.

He asked me over and over if anything else happened.

I was 15. I said no.

I lied.

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#15

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years Just how much I depend on her. For our first eight or so months of marriage, my wife and I were never apart due to moving around and being in lockdown. Even now we're hardly apart since we both work from home.

She doesn't know just how sad I get when she goes away. I miss her so much, and all I really want to do is curl up on the bed and wait for her to come back. I lose my smile, I lose interest in all my hobbies, everything. Once she gets back though, I'm alright again.

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#16

That I'm dying faster than she thinks I am.

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#17

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years She doesn't know I'm straight.

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Rick
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wtf? Tell her, and leave her, so she can hopefully find someone to spend the rest of her life with that actually loves and is attracted to her (and for you too, for that matter).

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#18

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years That I feel trapped and I hate myself and my life and I really just want to disappear and move away and leave my wife and three kids so they can finally be free of me, I feel like such a burden and so guilty that my kids love me, they’d be better off without me.

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Elvira Kreft
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It sounds like you need some help. I know the feeling realy wel i have been there , but know this your kids always need you .find someone to talk to get help

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#19

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years She's my ex now, but, she had just revealed to me some very, uh, confidential information, info I understand I'm one of only four people to know. She asked me if I have any deep secrets like that. I lied and told her I didn't, but the truth is, my grandmother by marriage (no blood relation) sexually harassed and abused me as a preteen and teenager. Literally nobody irl knows. I've never told anyone.

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Maddie Star ⭐
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope you have come to realise that this is not your fault, no mater what. please talk to someone x

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#20

My wife asked me not to pee in the shower. I told her I wouldn't but I do it every time I shower.

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H Edwards
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hahaha, this one is the same in my relationship but with the roles reversed. No man is going to stop me from peeing in the shower (yes I clean the shower regularly, thanks).

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#21

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years I’m bisexual.

I am able to talk about many morbid things I have experienced and witnessed, I could be open about how many girls I have slept with, but if the truth got out that I once had a boyfriend years ago and I still find men attractive, I am afraid that it will be over.

I have experienced enough rejection from women whenever I opened up about my sexuality

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Vinnie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is a shame. And i feel sorry that women rejected you because you opened up about it. I don't love my husband any less because he find men attractive to. quite the opposite, i love him more for speaking up.

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#22

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years I suffer from chronic depression. My SO is super sweet and supportive, but I am afraid of unloading too much of my crazy on him. I keep dark thoughts and feelings from him all the time, I'd make him miserable if I didn't.

He knows, btw, I am not keeping all of it from him, just a lot of the excessive stuff.

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#23

I'm thinking of divorce.

My wife is scared of me. If I am working on something and I swear or vent my frustration. She runs to me (usually I am alone) and wants to know how to fix it.

Then she leaves the house when I say I am just mad that: I burned my hand. Toilet is clogged. I stripped a screw and need to drill it out.

She told me this weekend that when I am mad she gets scared, and that just broke something in me since I can't fully process it.

I don't know why, I have never even raised my voice to her. But she cringes and covers her ears whenever a loud noise occurs. I spoke to my parents and friends, they think it sounds like she has been abused in the past. But she doesn't want to talk about it, and when we disagree we don't even get to argue. She just locks herself away from me and our kids.

We are in marriage counselling because I haven't been happy for a long time. But she was arguing with the Therapist about what I really feel and how I should take vacations alone since I have had panic attacks on vacation before and that ruins them for me (or maybe her).

I don't know what to do, but I am tired of walking on eggshells.

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Chucky Cheezburger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just my unprofessional thoughts, but it sounds like theres some past trauma. When you get angry, it triggers the same response to someone in her past that pointed their anger towards her. I have that reaction when my wife gets frustrated. Its a primal kind of fear. I feel this unholy fear either to fix it to make the anger go away or run and hide. She doesnt know any of this.

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#24

Got someone pregnant in highschool, gave up custody so I wouldn't have to pay child support. They all died in a car crash 5 years later.

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#25

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years I'm not sure I actually love him, or if I just don't want to be alone or start a new relationship from scratch.

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#27

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years I once pooped in their garage because I was waiting for her to come home and let me in. Blamed it on the raccoons.

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#28

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years Declining mental health and everyday drug addiction. I wish I hadn't been so good at hiding it.

I needed help.

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ThoughtsAreNotFacts
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope you're okay now. Healing after addiction takes a long time, but it's a valuable gift to yourself.

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#29

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years I hooked up with a professor of mine in college and after that she would pimp me out to her colleagues. That’s not the label she would have given it, but that’s what it was.

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#30

Nothing dark, but I hide pints of ice cream in the back of the freezer. If I don't hide it then it's gone. My girlfriend has 0 self control and will eat the entire pint in one sitting. I like to spread it out so I can have an enjoyable snack a few days in a row.

Sometimes I'll even buy one with gluten in it intentionally so she can't have it. She has celiac and can't have gluten.

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kasa alex
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have zero self control. Anyone would have to hide snacks from me if they lived with me and I would actually encourage them too! I just don't keep snacks in my house lol

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#31

I hate that she compares me to ex husband and i have to prove her wrong over and over again....i hate that i have to pay for is past mistakes. Like ugh starting to wonder if i can kepp doing this....i really do love her but its making me depressed

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Kari Panda
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Never blame people for the mistakes others made. I had a friend once who kept telling me that I‘d just leave him like all his other friends before. I liked him and had no intention of ending our friendship and continually reassured him as much. Yet he kept insisting day after day after day that I would be just like the others and would drop him. After a year or two of this, I couldn’t take it anymore and indeed ended our friendship. Self-fulfilling prophecy.

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#32

That there is literally nothing about myself that I actually like and I honestly have no idea what he sees in me...
All the men I've been with before him (only three) made it crystal clear they were with me because I was nice, supportive, safe, and convenient. Because I put up with [them]. They weren't actually attracted to me — just what I could do for them. ... It's hard to build confidence when my whole life has been about what's (objectively) wrong with me when everyone around me, including my romantic partners, compliment everything except my appearance. Now I'm in my mid-30s, and this is the first one who I think might actually be attracted to me. It feels too good to be true.

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Not Proud British
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When you look at you, you see all the faults and blemishes but when he looks at you, he sees beyond that. Don't question it, just accept it. He loves you inside and out. Perhaps it's time you learnt to love yourself too?

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#33

That I’m unsure if I will ever be able to express and maintain deep emotional intimacy with anyone

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#34

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years Not my gf now, but she didn’t know the extent or details of my childhood struggles. she knew I grew up in the projects up until age 10, but I think because i never wore it like a badge of honor or carried myself in the stereotypical way of someone who would come from that environment, many people think i was unaffected. and i never bothered to share those details because i never wanted to make a sob story out of a situation that i was blessed to get out of and that many people are still currently in. but that living situation has taken a toll on me in various ways that’d i love to expound upon for those who are interested.

IHeartDana , pexels Report

#35

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years Her father once told me : if he could go back in time, he would never have dated her mother and have kids with her. Was pretty shocking thing to hear while on vacation with the whole step family. The guy has Asperger's. Weird family. The girl left me cold turkey a few months later after 7 years together, and i still didn't even think about telling her that story.

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Kyle
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dad told me when I was 27 if he could go back and do anything differently he would not have kids. He meant it. He was an a$$hole. No excuse like asberger’s. Im 64 now. I don’t miss him.

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#36

My mom hated my ex (lets just call her Sarah) for how bad she hurt me when we broke up. My mom passed away about a week after seeing Sarah at the mall, and she gave Sarah dirty looks and a cold shoulder. Sarah and I saw each other soon after my mom passed, and she broke down and told me that based on their recent encounter, she was sure my mom hated her. I lied to her and said “no, she was just really sick at the end, She didn’t hate you.” Sarah and I are still good friends to this day and I will never tell her the truth that my mom hated her guts.

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#37

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years That I had an abortion at 16.

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Jo Johannsen
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is my opinion only, but unless it resulted in you being unable to have kids while he wants them, I don't think he needs to know.

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#38

I'm an iv drug user on and off. I work long contacts in isolation far away from home and I use a lot when I'm away. I clean up when I'm going home so my wife can't tell but I'm still not quite 100% when I'm home with her.

She's struggling with stuff and it breaks my heart I can't meet her needs but I need this job to pay for our future. I'm trying to quit the drugs, it's easy when I'm home but as soon as I'm alone in this stupid little hole in the wall for work 4 weeks at a time I'm back to using. I don't know how to tell her.

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Jonathan
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You need help. You may feel as though you have it under control right now but eventually it's gonna take over. Plus it's your responsibility to be open and honest with your spouse if you're using needles, just reckless to their health to keep that a secret.

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#39

This is from my POV not Doofenshmirtz's

My father is an AIDS patient,he did not reveal it to anyone and married my mom.And as a result I was born,unaffected,my mother also is unaffected.(happened in 2002)

(To clarify the doubt from my father a DNA test was performed and I am his son but without the virus..)

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#40

40 People Reveal The Deep Secrets They’ve Kept From Their Partners For Years That I’m probably a bit co-dependent at this point.

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Note: this post originally had 54 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.