
Imagine giving something important up for your partner while pretending you're completely fine with it.
Research involving romantic couples found that suppressing emotions during sacrifices was associated with emotional and relationship costs.
The effects weren't limited to the person hiding their feelings; suppression could also affect the interaction with their partner.
This doesn't mean every sacrifice needs to become a complaint.
But silently building resentment while acting as though nothing bothers you isn't necessarily the same as making a healthy compromise.
Sometimes being honest about the cost of what you're giving up is part of making the sacrifice understandable.
© Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin