Partners need to be open and sharing regarding their true feelings and thoughts to correct their false impressions of each other and to come to understand each other better. What leads to faulty communication is failing to disclose feelings and needs, likes and dislikes, for fear of not knowing how to be open with another person. Both partners must take risks. These risks will be small at first, then later, supported by empathy and understanding, each partner can attempt greater risks. The willingness to take risks sends a message of trust to the partner.
Disclosure leads to empathy, which leads to greater disclosure, which leads to more understanding.
Then the process begins over again. Then the process begins over again. Realistic impressions can result only when couples share their innermost feelings. Sharing personal feelings with your partner involves risk. Normally the response is empathy, which encourages more disclosure and understanding.