The Catalyst

Hello All,

There has been plenty of confabulation* concerning honesty. “Honesty is the best policy”. “The truth shall set you free”. “The truth hurts” and so on. I’ll give you a little truth. I’ve always had a difficult time being upfront with people. Not that I’m a pathological liar or anything. It’s just that a majority of the time when I lie, I’m normally sparing someone’s feelings. For instance, as a man I’ve been asked how I liked a particular hairstyle. Of course I don’t like it but what can I say? The truth? Which brings me to my favorite cliché about honesty: “You can’t handle the truth!”
The Buddha says that truth is neither good nor bad. The truth simply is. But if that’s the case, why do we feel so bad about telling the truth in certain circumstances? I have an idea why and tell me if you think I’m in the vicinity. As a nation, we are so politically correct and so intent on falling in line that we never want to rock the boat. We never want to hurt anyone’s feelings. When in actuality, if someone gets offended by something being said it’s technically their own fault. Why should you feel guilty for answering or speaking truthfully? Exactly, you shouldn’t. But unfortunately you do, don’t you? That’s why you stay on the phone for hours with your girl while she vents about her boyfriend (whom you told dump a long time ago). Or what about your friend who feels emasculated because his wife makes way more money than him. You want to tell him to man up and quit whining but you can’t talk to your boy like that because he’s so (fill in your own blank) sensitive. The facts are, whether you believe it or not, that if you can’t be TOTALLY honest you should question the stability of your friendship(s). You shouldn’t have to debate whether or not to tell someone they have a visitor (booger) in their nose. There shouldn’t be a conflict when it comes to telling mom you didn’t like the gift she gave you for Christmas. If you can’t keep it real you’re fake. And since the truth will be revealed anyway, you might as well be upfront.
Let me be the first to say I understand your pain. The truth can be ugly, disappointing, and sometimes a little embarrassing. But the mere fact that you love a person should give you the courage to be honest. Nobody wins when sincerity is in doubt. You shouldn’t have to lie to the ones you love. However on the flip side, never ask a question if you don’t want an honest answer. The next time someone asks you a question give them this response: “Do you want the answer or do you want the truth?” I know you’re confused so I’ll explain. Depending on the question, the proper response may be different. You may be asked, “Do these clothes make me look fat?” Now if you’re responding as a man, the correct answer is NO although the truth is a resounding YES. The truth is out there for everyone to see. But the question remains, can you handle it?

“I love you, and because I love you I would sooner have you hate me for telling you the truth than adore me for telling you lies.” - Pietro Aretino

Dream Big. Live Bigger.



The All-American
www.rallostyles.com
www.blestbabyproductions.com
http://thecatalystexperience.blogspot.com/


*Word you’ve never heard…
confabulation /kun-fab-yuh-LAY-shun/ noun - familiar talk or conversation