Yes, this would be my alternative advice. There is truth to "the truth shall set you free." I recently "outed" myself to a close relative because my "strange" behavior, which was really just me hiding my life as a provider, concerned her so rather than lie I simply told her the truth.
This did not go over well initially. I felt awful. She felt awful.
As time passed, very awkwardly, the shock faded, the guilt faded, and communication became better. Now I actually have her approval. In a million years, I would have never thought this would be the outcome of something I had feared for so long.
I know this likely doesn't apply to a marriage. My point is that going through the painful consequences of telling the truth can be worth it for everyone in the end.