5 Things Worth Admitting To

You Spent a Small Fortune on Yourself

Even in this day and age, many people still don’t level with their spouses about how much they paid for some coveted service or item, like a salon treatment or a fancy new grill. Indeed, it can be difficult to own up to, say, a $70 haircut at a chic salon when your husband shells out just $22 at the barber. But keeping money secrets in a relationship creates bigger conflicts down the road. Sure, in this economy, sharing such information may lead to a discussion about cutting back. But your partner will also get a better understanding of what you value most— and those conversations will ultimately bring the two of you closer.

Terri Oorbuch, Ph.D., is a marriage and family therapist and the author of 5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage From Good to Great.