Is silence really golden?  Not all the time.  If there is something on our mind, or something is bothering us, it helps speak up and talk about it with the people in our life.  A study conducted at Boston University found that women who speak their minds with their significant others not only have better relationships, they’re also four times less likely to die of any health-related cause than those who don’t voice their needs.  We may think we’re being diplomatic, or generous, by keeping quiet, but what we’re really doing by bottling up our discontent is activating stress hormones that can lead to high blood pressure, weight gain, and lack of sleep.  Instead, we need to be clear, and direct, in expressing our needs.  Ask for what you want, or present a solution, rather than dancing around the issue.  Being direct is being honest; it’s the healthy way to go!