The Truth Shall Set You Free

[joshposh]

I always try to follow this motto. I think that is the only way to really be free of any remorse or hang ups. I am not mean or anything. By following this motto I feel better about myself and the right people tend to surround me more. If you're full of crap? You're going to hear it from me. That's why those people stay away. If you are down to earth individual with a good heart, you'll hear it from me. Hence, those people have a deeper appreciation for my honesty.

Your thoughts?

 

[Peachdejour]

I tend to be a little blunt. I tell people... I'm not Willy Wonka. This is not a candy factory. I do not sugar coat my words. Now, I do try to phrase them diplomatically when it is needed, but it is always truthful. How other's perceive the statement is their issue.

 

[Lushlala]

I absolutely agree with both of you, honesty is the best policy! I'm known for my being straight forward, maybe a little blunt at times. But with me, people know exactly where they stand. However, some people don't like this and prefer to have things sugar coated all the time. Because of this, I have lost a few friends along the way, while others simply sulk and keep a wide berth of me. I find it odd because I'd rather friends were the same with me. If i can give it, I can sure take it

 

[gata montes]

As I am one of those people who prefers total honesty rather than to be told a lie - particularly as to me hearing the truth hurts far less than finding out at a later date that you have been lied to - I too would agree that it is far better to be totally honest and open with people right from the start - especially as that way - not only do you know where you stand but also as being truthful generally enables you to discuss and deal with any underlying issues long before they get out of hand - it usually avoids any future misunderstandings at a later date.

The other advantage I have found about being totally honest is that the superficial/artificial types don't generally want to be around you - which is great by me - as I would much rather be surrounded by a few loyal, respectful and trustworthy people that I know are real friends - than be surrounded by a bunch of artificial people.

 

[Lushlala]

The other advantage I have found about being totally honest is that the superficial/artificial types don't generally want to be around you - which is great by me - as I would much rather be surrounded by a few loyal, respectful and trustworthy people that I know are real friends - than be surrounded by a bunch of artificial people.

gata montes, you took the words right out of my mouth! I absolutely hate superficial, shallow people; and those are the ones who tend to be uber sensitive. Quite frankly, I too would rather have a small handful of "real" friends who I can trust implicitly, who are on the same wavelength and can handle the truth. Of course, loyalty, respect and trust are very important two and are a two way street. I'm not one for collecting many friends anyway, so that makes it easy for me to weed out people who bring me drama.

 

[Mockingbird]

While it is true you can choose the people you want to be around, you can't always choose the people you have to be around. Many I find, much to my disdain, lie. Straight up bold face lie through their very teeth. I will tell you something about that, some of these people are very good, very believable and seemingly sincere. For this reason I find I am often on guard and seldom just accept things I am told as the truth.

With that being said, I do not automatically assume all things are lies. Instead I just take things at face value and have faith that those that do lie will be exposed. If I have learned anything at all from dealing with large numbers of people, it is usually a good idea to never repeat anything anyone else ever tells you unless you are 100% certain it is fact, least you be the one propagating rumor and mistrust. Keep your opinion to yourself and your closest confidants and never let on what you think or feel about another person unless you are telling it right to their very face. It keeps drama out and makes it easier to find those that are kindred.

 

[missbishi]

That's a good motto. Thinking back to all the times I've had to lie or hide something, I felt so relieved when I was finally able to tell the truth. it was like a release. These days, I've learnt that telling the truth is far less stressful in the long run. So I would certainly agree that the truth sets you free.

 

[joshposh]

So far this motto has made things clearer for me. I can now honestly point out who is my friends and who aren't.

Everyone has friends that just get on your nerves and not really that good of a friend. My motto serves me right and I usually give those guys a good tongue lashing and I cut ties with them, because I finally told them what I really felt. Life is better when you stop hiding behind pleasantries.