I can be honest to a fault. From time to time I accidentally offend someone by pointing out that revving the engine on their “hot rod” doesn’t make girls wanna sleep with them, or that they probably shouldn’t wear light pink when their complexion is practically translucent. But I honestly thought that by telling people these things I was doing what was right. I think I’d want to know. But after hurting several people’s feelings, I can’t help but wonder if honesty truly is the best policy?
Most people I talk to agree that it’s not okay to lie, and for the most part I’d agree, but are there any exceptions? Here’s a hypothetical. A woman comes to your house and asks where she can find your baby brother, because she wants to steal him and sell him to the highest bidder. What are you gonna do? Okay, easy, of course you’re going to lie.
Here’s another. Say your boyfriend cheats on you. It was a one time thing, and he was drunk. Would you wanna know about it? Would he be selfish to tell you because it would cause you a lot of pain, or would you wanna know so that you could decide if you wanted to continue the relationship or not? Personally, I’d rather be told. But hey, that’s just me. & that’s what’s so tricky about the truth.
Every situation is unique and no one is in a position to tell anyone else what they should or shouldn’t do.
In general, I do think that telling the truth is a far better option (and most will respect you for admitting that you are, in fact, human). But I do know that there are situations where a little white lie is the best thing to tell. Like if your friend asks how she looks after she’s already out. I mean what good would it do to tell her that she looks anything other than fabulous? She can’t do anything about it, & she’ll just feel self-conscious all night. (If she asks before going out, however, it would be rude not to help a gal out and maybe suggest an alternative – hence my comment on the light pink!!!).
I guess what I’m trying to say is that honesty IS generally the best policy, but NOTHING is ever absolute. Be careful, though, because lies can take on a life of their own and once you start there’s no going back.
