Is honesty always the best answer?

Question

even when it hurts to say even if it could tear someone apart even if ti how someone really think and feels?

Answer 1

As much as the truth hurts honesty is always better. I know some people think it's better to lie, but in the end the truth always comes out.

Answer 2

I think that it depends how big and important the truth is. Do you think your girlfriend's new haircut isn't very cute? That's a truth that's not worth rattling a relationship over. But do you know that your best friend's girlfriend is cheating on him? That's more serious, and I would tell him about a truth like that. I've been in positions like that before, taken the road of not telling, and later asked the person whether they would have wanted me to tell them (after they'd found out the truth through a different source). In general, it seems like people would rather hear the truth from you (sooner rather than later), especially if it's someone close to you. If you're not very close to you, then you might not get involved because you don't know them very well.

And I don't think honesty is best when saying it will hurt yourself while accomplishing nothing good. Truth is a precious thing, and it's not something to be tossed around, especially to unsafe people who might use it to manipulate you.

Answer 3

It depends. Say for instance you have someone who is smitten for you and those feelings aren't reciprocated. It it best that you tell them right away how you really feel than to lead them on. The truth will eventually come out and you will in the end cause more pain than if you just let it all out at the beginning.

Of course there are other instances where you need to keep it too yourself or tell a little white lie. Especially if you are going to be rude with comments or you are being blatantly offensive (ie calling someone overweight fat).

Answer 4

This is more of a religious question. If you follow almost any Deity, than the answer is obviously yes, no matter the hurt the truth is always better.(Though this doesn't mean you have to be rude or hurt full in the way you state it.) If you are an atheist, than your mind and emotions dictate your actions meaning you therefore do whatever "feels good".

Answer 5

Honesty is important, but the way you say something can be tempered to take a person's feelings into account. Basically, follow the Golden Rule... tell someone the way you would like to be told.

Answer 6

Sometimes candor (honesty) can be a hurtful thing and the more human and gentle thing is to tell a little lie. But I do believe that ultimately, honesty is the best policy.

Answer 7

Nope.

Love is about never wanting someone to feel pain or hurt. If that means suffering for yourself, you will endure it.

refer to my question for an example of when honesty is NOT the best policy.

Answer 8

what type of honesty? honesty can kill a relationship but i think there will be more dignity and respect if the relationship ends. covering up is what makes you a dog. celebrity- jude law admits cheating and is still doing ok. he still has a decent relationship with whatever her name is. people forgave him. brad pitt- hides it under the rug, hurts his wife, lies on national tv, and people hate him. soon his relationship with jolie will end.

if your talkin about looks like sayin' someone's fat- constructive criticism. always best :)

Answer 9

Honesty is always the best answer except for petty things like cooking...etc.

Answer 10

People say "honesty is the best policy" except it always seems to backfire on me. Your situation sounds like it's going to backfire.