Historically, me have not been able to level with their wives. There were many reasons for that. Traditional gender roles and the broad assumption that a woman's business is a woman's business while a man's business is a man's business. The sexes could be somewhat forthright with each other but usually not with the opposite sex. The gender role kayfabe had to be adhered to.

That often sounds dated to men who have never tried sharing their business with their gf or wife. But the men who have done it and gotten burned as a result will probably realize that the old timers might've been wiser than we've given them credit for in keeping their shit to themselves.

At least, I assume this is what you're talking about. Honestly, your OP is so vague that I'm not 100% sure what you mean.