Definitions: Withholds

Withhold: A withhold is any thought withheld for any reason.

A withhold serves as a barrier to the experience of communication, of love.

Examples—

Perhaps you withheld a judgmental thought from a classmate because you knew it would be extremely uncomfortable to deliver. No doubt you participated in some damaging gossip about another and never told the person to their face. Other withholds could be specific experiences that you stuffed, such as what it was like to be on the receiving end of someone's communication. A withhold can be a long overdue expression of appreciation, respect or love.

If someone is afraid to tell you a truth then you have not been a safe space for the truth to be told. You have in fact unconsciously created fear in your relationship. We use fear to control others.