Truth and Honesty

Truth and Honesty

Why is it so hard for people to tell the truth and be honest?  So many problems would be avoided if people would always tell the truth. It CAN be done nicely if you’re afraid of hurting someone. Plus, if you always tell the truth, you don’t have to keep track of your lies. That makes your life easier, happier, and better overall.

I can’t say that I have never lied – that WOULD be a lie. I can say that I learned pretty early that lies aren’t a good idea. I feel so horrible and guilty when I lie. I don’t know how people do it consistently and think that it is okay. Being honest falls under the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. (Treat everyone the way that you want to be treated.)

The first people we lie to are our parents. “I didn’t break it.” “I don’t know why my teacher wants to talk to you.” And on and on. We believe that they believe us. As a parent, now that they are old enough to know better, it chips away at my heart every time one of my children lies to me. (As other parents know, we are pretty good at being able to tell when our kids lie to us – no matter their age.)

It hurts when someone you care about lies to you and it doesn’t matter what that lie is about. If I ask if the pants I am wearing make my butt look big, I want an honest answer. If I ask how you like my new haircut/color, I want an honest answer. If I ask what your favorite sports team is, I want an honest answer. If we are having a conversation, I want honesty. Complete honesty.

My life experiences have shown me that honesty is the only way to have a true, close relationship with someone. Believe me when I tell you – if you know that someone is lying to you (or others) about the little things, they are definitely lying to you (and others) about the big things. Maybe it is my age but I no longer have the patience for, nor do I want to have a relationship with, someone who lies.