What do you think about the truth? Should we always be honest even if we will hurt somebody’s feelings? Or is it ok to lie once in a while just to protect our friends and family? I have constantly asked myself this question in the last few years. Should you tell your friends if you think that they are making a big mistake or should they have the experience on their own and learn from it? Should you tell your partner that he/she has gained weight (to a point that you no longer find him/her attractive) and that you think he/she should do something about it? Why is it that we usually find it most difficult to tell our closest friends and family the truth? I never studied psychology but questions like these still fascinate me. Of course nobody likes to hear that they are doing something wrong or that you think something about them should change. I think if a relationship is close enough, the different parties should be able to criticize each other (as long as this is constructive criticism of course). I wouldn’t think it appropriate to simply point out something negative and not give any helpful advice on how to change it. A small amount of tough love might do wonders at certain points. Don’t accept if your friends resign and throw away important opportunities. Don’t stand idly by when you see that some bad choices are made. Your honesty might make all the difference in the world. And of course when I say be honest I don’t mean be rude. Just don’t tell them you like their new haircut if you really don’t. You can still pack it up nicely and make them feel good without lying to their faces.
So be brave and be honest. You might see that it is quite liberating.
So be brave and be honest. You might see that it is quite liberating.
Say What???? 