Why I Chose Honesty
Start writing a post
Relationships

Why I Chose Honesty

Confessions of the girl who stood in a corner by herself during recess.

31
Why I Chose Honesty
Pixabay

In my younger years, I was painfully shy and afraid of others because I thought they wouldn't like me. I actually stood alone a corner for a few years during recess in elementary school because I didn't have any friends to talk to or play with. As time went by, I became a bit of a pushover and an agree-er. When my 5th-grade bully/neighbor showed up at my house and asked me to play outside with her (she actually just circled around me with her scooter and asked if people talked about her behind her back), I said yes and when she continued to bully me throughout summer camp, I stayed silent. This is the kind of person I grew up to be at no fault of anyone -- it just happened.

I used to agree with everyone on everything, and this is when I started making friends. People like a Yes-Man; a person who will tell them that what they're doing is good and the right decision. It's natural for people to want to be lifted up. However, it wasn't good for me or the other person -- I wasn't being honest because I wanted them to like me, and the other person wasn't receiving the honesty they deserved, good or bad.

Around senior year of high school, I started being honest with the few friends I had (two, to be exact). I had a feeling I had made good friends because I was able to playfully attack them with my words and be greeted with laughter or the same kind of remark in response, and this made me comfortable enough to break out of the agreeable nature I had (and in some cases, still do) embrace/d. I didn't agree with political opinions I didn't believe in, I didn't praise a mundane action, and I stopped telling people what they wanted to hear. I didn't become rude all of a sudden, I just stopped nodding and smiling in response. Instead, I began saying, "That's interesting and I see where you're coming from. For me, I think..."

It takes a while to build up the courage to go against what other people agree with and it takes time and repetition before disagreeing becomes more natural and comfortable. But I think it's worth it. Despite the negativity I've felt toward others after a heated conversation, I am relieved I'm at least able to say that I offered my views honestly.

In terms of my fear of being disliked, I still have it. Every time I leave a conversation, I wonder whether I said something that would make someone dislike me. But I'm trying to stay conscious of the fact that I will not be liked by everyone, and it's just the way people work. Some people get along better with others, and for the people they don't get along with, they just have to remain polite and kind to them, and I don't think that's unreasonable. It's better to comfortably share your views and opinions than agree with people and ideas you don't subscribe to, so keep making steps to being fearlessly honest -- I've found that people tend to gravitate toward honest people more than Yes-Men anyway.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me

This one's for you, Spock.

231
6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me
Liz Abere

Owning a pet can get difficult and expensive. Sometimes, their vet bills cost hundreds of dollars just for one visit. On top of that, pets also need food, a wee wee pad for a dog, a litter box with litter for a cat, toys, and treats. Besides having to spend hundreds of dollars on them, they provide a great companion and are almost always there when you need to talk to someone. For the past six years, I have been the proud owner of my purebred Bengal cat named Spock. Although he's only seven years and four months old, he's taught me so much. Here's a few of the things that he has taught me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Kinder Self - Eyes

You're Your Own Best Friend

916
Kinder Self - Eyes
Pexels

It's fun to see all of the selfies on social media, they are everywhere. I see pictures with pouty lips, duck lips and pucker lips. I see smokey eyes, huge fake lashes and nicely done nose jobs, boob jobs and butt lifts. Women working out in spandex, tiny tops and flip flops. I see tight abs and firm butts, manicured nails and toes, up dos and flowing hair. "Wow", I think to myself," I could apply tons of make-up, spend an hour on my hair, pose all day and not look like that. Maybe I need a longer stick!"

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Rap Songs With A Deeper Meaning

Rap is more than the F-bomb and a beat. Read what artists like Fetty, Schoolboy Q, Drake, and 2Pac can teach you.

21749
Rap artist delivers performance on stage
Photo by Chase Fade on Unsplash

On the surface, rap songs may carry a surface perception of negativity. However, exploring their lyrics reveals profound hidden depth.Despite occasional profanity, it's crucial to look beyond it. Rap transcends mere wordplay; these 25 song lyrics impart valuable life lessons, offering insights that extend beyond the conventional perception of rap music.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

Maybe don't try them all in one day...

2286
21 Drinks For Your 21st Birthday

My 21st birthday is finally almost here. In honor of finally turning 21, I thought I'd share 21 fun drinks since it's finally legal for me to drink them.

Some of these drinks are basic, but some of them are a little more interesting. I thought they all looked pretty good and worth trying, so choose your favorites to enjoy at your big birthday bash!

Keep Reading...Show less
Politics

Ancient Roman Kings: 7 Leaders of Early Rome

The names and dates of the reigns of the first four kings, as well as the alternation of Sabin and Latin names, are more legendary than historical. The last three kings, of Etruscan origin, have an existence which seems less uncertain.

4085
inside ancient roman building
Photo by Chad Greiter on Unsplash

It is evident that all this is only a legend although archeology shows us little by little that these kings if they did not exist as the ancient history, describes them, have at least in the very Outlines were real as chief of a shepherd’s tribe. The period when kings ruled Rome could estimate at 245 years.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments