# Couple Study: Happy Lies vs Hard Truths

> People in unhappy relationships might prefer comforting lies over hard truths, according to Polish research.
- Title: Couple Study: Happy Lies vs Hard Truths · Psychologies
- Summary: People in unhappy relationships might prefer comforting lies over hard truths, according to Polish research. Unhappy couples may prefer reassuring lies to…
- Keywords: couple, unhappy relationship, polish study, comforting lie, hard truth, relationship satisfaction, Study, Happy, Lies, Hard, Truths, Psychologies
- Source: Psychologies — https://psychologies.com/couple/vie-de-couple/au-quotidien/Cette-etude-est-formelle-les-personnes-malheureuses-en-couple-prefereraient-parfois-un-mensonge-rassurant-a-une-verite-difficile-643670
- Author: Laurena Valette
- Published: 2026-10-17T06:02:05+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: couple, unhappy relationship, polish study, comforting lie, hard truth, relationship satisfaction
## Unhappy couples prefer lies
People in unhappy relationships might prefer comforting lies over hard truths, according to Polish research.
## Study by Sebastian Wnęk and Katarzyna Cantarero
Sebastian Wnęk and Katarzyna Cantarero conducted research in Poland with 672 couples over a year.
## Two types of lies
The study found two types of lies: those that protect the other person's feelings and those that protect the liar's own interests.
## Unhappy couples prefer lies
People who prefer lies, regardless of type, reported lower relationship satisfaction and felt truths could harm their couples.
## Why lies help in tough times
During difficult periods, reassuring lies can provide immediate comfort but may avoid addressing real issues.
## What the study shows
The study shows that relationship satisfaction is linked to preferring lies, but doesn't prove lies improve relationships.
## Key takeaway

Unhappy couples may prefer reassuring lies to difficult truths, as a Polish study shows.