Remember when we were children and had no filters? We immediately said what was on our minds and didn't apologize for it. As we get older and are conditioned to learn what's appropriate in how we socialize, we tend to hold back our truth at times. Although it is important to be aware of your audience, it can also serve as a huge setback when it comes to honesty. Personally, I try my best to be honest and not sugarcoat how I feel or believe to others because to be your best self is to be clear in what you proclaim. To sugarcoat is to do a disservice to the people involved.
With how the current culture of political correctness is and shaming people when they make mistakes, it can be terrifying to speak your truth. This can make us sugarcoat our opinions to others or even ourselves. Being honest is a balance between having empathy for others and sticking with your values. Having heard the truth of a situation gives yourself more of a realistic view of the situation. I know people that sugarcoat the truth about mistreatment at a job or a toxic relationship and all they are doing is limiting themselves from their potential or staying in a bad relationship.
We often sugarcoat the truth of ourselves, too, when we know we are making mistakes and just using excuses to not better ourselves. We tell ourselves that we are doing our best when we know that we have not been accomplishing the things we want or are not taking care of ourselves. What is the situation or the person not saying? Feeling how the environment is or how a person acts when talking to you through body language can also tell you a lot. If your heart is in the right place but your words are saying something else, maybe reevaluate yourself. You are your own best friend and worst enemy - don't lie to yourself.
We sugarcoat because we don't want to be judgemental or we want to spare other people's feelings. There is a thin line between being polite and sugarcoating, but as adults, there should be an understanding of how to tell the truth without being hurtful. Holding back only leads to more disguise of what's going on and can result in not receiving true happiness in situations. Sugarcoating can be appropriate in times when people need that extra push or are not ready to hear the truth. But it should be used with caution.
Ask yourself what you really want and in need at that moment; ask yourself if being honest would help the person you are talking to. Listen to what your intuition says because it will most likely always be right. Our bodies and minds are so connected that holding back the truth can be physically painful. Take a moment to reflect on what you really need and want from others and yourself. Have faith in yourself when speaking the truth that you are being your most authentic self and the words you proclaim are to help and not hurt.
