Mansi Poddar, a trauma-informed psychotherapist says, “It’s absolutely fine to open up about your relationship but again it’s important to see who we open up to. Are these people sensitive, understanding and discreet? Will they hold your relationship struggles with wisdom?” 

According to Poddar, sharing issues about your relationship can help get perspectives that we might lack when upset or angry. Plus having emotional support is healthy. Friends can even point out our blind spots or if a relationship is abusive. Plus, relationship struggles can be isolating and depressing, it’s important to have a community and people who care. 

If discussing issues with family, Poddar suggests, “Please don’t involve people who are patriarchal and conservative. They rarely get the emotional aspect of things. If a relationship is abusive, get help from people who will be able to help you the right way. I find that conservative mediators often bypass the well-being of both people and focus on upholding social structures.” 

While talking about your relationship issues with friends, avoid revealing details that your partner has asked you not to share. “Share your emotional experiences and facts. Every small detail doesn’t need to be shared. Especially if it can harm the feelings of your partner or your relationship,” advises Poddar. 

According to Poddar, to be able to resolve conflicts, couples need to learn how to communicate with each other. When that happens, partners will hardly feel the need to look for support outside their relationship.  

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