Answer:
The statement about self-disclosure and intimate relationships is true; sharing personal information is essential for deepening relationships. However, there is also a need to maintain privacy, and not all refusal to disclose information prevents intimacy from developing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement posits a relationship between self-disclosure and the development of intimacy within relationships, suggesting that withholding personal information can impede the progression to a more intimate level. This concept is true to some extent; self-disclosure is indeed an essential aspect of deepening interpersonal connections. Reciprocity and self-disclosure are fundamental elements of relationship building and maintenance. Sharing personal information can lead to greater intimacy and stronger emotional bonds, as it is a characteristic of healthy intimate relationships.
However, the need for personal privacy must be balanced with openness in relationships. People require privacy in certain aspects such as personal, financial, and medical information, especially when interacting with businesses or institutions. Likewise, actors and individuals in the public sphere may strategize to avoid vulnerability and exposure in order to feel safe. It's also crucial that the information shared aligns with one's own views and values.
Intimacy, as outlined in Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love, involves sharing close details, thoughts, and emotions, but it does not negate the importance of maintaining privacy in certain contexts. Thus, while openness contributes to deeper connections, an absolute refusal to disclose personal information is not the sole barrier to achieving intimacy.