We have been taught from a very young age that, “Honesty is the best policy.” Some people don’t think stretching the truth is that big of a deal, while others are more honest than Abe himself. Personally, I am the worst liar in the entire world, and therefore, simply avoid it at all costs.
The concept of lying continues to develop as we grow older. As life becomes more complicated, lying grows more complex. You are no longer telling your parents your homework is done when it’s not. Instead, you are telling someone you truly care about that you two are not right for each other and you have no explanation as to why.
Here comes the dilemma of whether or not to tell the truth even though we know it will hurt someone else. Fortunately, I have rarely encountered this situation…that is, until recently, when I experienced being on the receiving end of this circumstance.
I always have been under the impression that our society condones the use of white lies if it saves someone from experiencing a certain level of pain or hardship. I am a firm believer that all lying is wrong. But, the situation I fell into as of late led me to reconsider and eventually, reaffirm my beliefs.
When a friend had the option to beat around the bush or be 100 percent real with me, they chose the higher road. They knew full well that taking this path could hurt my feelings and hinder our relationship.
On a side note, they were also aware that I happened to be having a wonderful day, and yet still decided to go through with being totally honest. They were unwavering over the fact that telling the complete truth was worth the temporary discomfort it may cause.
After my friend was so honest with me, I had to take a moment and decide whether I would have preferred knowing half of the truth or none of it at all, rather than hearing all of it.
Even though learning the truth was by no means the most pleasant experience, and quite frankly, it knocked the wind right out of me, I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. There is nothing to gain from dishonesty.
Yes, this friend could have avoided having this conversation altogether. I may or may not have noticed changes in our friendship, and may or may not have ever figured out why.
Instead of exhibiting any level of dishonesty or following what everyone else seems to be doing, my friend respected me enough to put themselves in an uncomfortable position and make a tough decision. This, I truly appreciated. After considering the entire situation, just knowing that this individual put themselves through their own hardship to honor honesty was incredibly admirable.
After receiving this truth, my day was not as bright, and I’m not going to act like my feelings weren’t a little hurt. However, there will be other great days. But, experiencing a day where someone is totally honest with you, these are far and few in between.
