Is honesty always the best policy? Does the truth really set you free?

Question

There have been times in my life when I felt more burdened by telling the truth rather than less restricted. Has anyone else here ever had similar occurances?

Answer 1

No, it isn't! There are times when you have to decide if it can damage someone emotionally/psychologically. Would you tell the parent of a baby that the baby is truly ugly? Would you tell your girlfriend that the dress she is wearing on a date is hideous? Would you tell your mother that she is getting old, so she should dress differently, use more/less make up? As you can see, that old cliche is not really a good one. Being intelligent is to know when to tell the truth and when not to. However, if you must tell the truth, then use the "sandwich method" which is used by many teachers when correcting someone's mistakes. It goes like this. 1. Say something nice about the person. 2. tell your truth. 3. Say something nice again. People generally remember the last thing said to them, so if it's something nice, then the negative will be mitigated and it won't hurt as much. Try it, it works.

Answer 2

No, it isn't always the best policy. There have been people that I though I could trust, and when I confided in them about true things in my past because I thought they needed to know the whole truth about me. I thought I was doing the right thing by being completely honest; no secrets. On several occasions, (some far worse than others) I have had my deepest secrets thrown in my face by the people I confided in. When you are completely honest with some one and they later use it to upset you, upset others that are your friends, etc . . . the truth doesn't set you free at all. It can do just the opposite. "Burdened and restricted" is a good way to phrase the feeling. I now do not think that you necessarily have to tell the truth about everything to every one. Your past is not always their concern.

If it is more about answering questions that leave you open to insult the person, not meaning to do so, just tell them what they want to hear. You know, "No!! you are NOT fat!! Don't be so crazy!!" or "Hey, that haircut really looks great on you!" You just can't be rude and have them resent you. That is how they will perceive it and they will always remember it when they see you.

Answer 3

Yes the truth is always the best policy. To tell a lie is to continue to lie, you have to remember what you lied about and to who, who wants that type of mind game going on within (personally). Besides, also, everything comes to light eventually and worrying about when the truth will come out is a whole lot harder than just telling the truth to begin with. If I find that the truth will be hurtful to someone, then I say nothing at all, I prefer silence to a lie. It is a motto that I live by.

Answer 4

Yes of course...sometimes being honest or giving completely honest answers will have you eliminated from certain events or circles. Depending upon what it is or who it is concerning, I would use a certain amount of descrepancy. If it is a religious seting or a court of law, you always tell the Truth. If there is a problem talk to the DA or police and explain the situation. Find someone who is independant, a counselor minister or priest that you can confide in to relieve your anxiety.

Corrie Ten Boom lied to save the lives in Nazi Germany, she and her family paid the price for protecting life. In this instance, lieing is forgiven, especially when you know that a person or persons are in danger and it is better to say nothing. Hope this helps and good luck.

Answer 5

sometimes, but the truth is not always the best policy. People hates truth that's why. It's sad. What really gets me is that when you're being truthful people makes it look like it's hard to believe. We are living in an age of moral backwardedness, that's why the world seems so inconspicuous. It's truly, truly sad. Good enough, yes?

Answer 6

I respect Raven. Truth is the only way to maintain self worth, right and wrong, whatever you call it. I cannot tell a lie but I have frequently been damned foolish with whom I have shared intimate truths. Naivete!

If you are true to yourself I have learnt that it is OK to dodge a question because the whole truth and nothing but the truth can cause immense pain.

Answer 7

for many years now i have ben dealing with an abusive sister. she is the most difficult person i've ever had to deal with. two weks ago, i reached my boiling point and told her exactly how i felt about her and that i didn't want to be the victim any longer.
what i said made me feel lliberated. i was finally truthful. but in the process i created total alienation in my family. what i said was long overdue and i can finally live my life without fear of her hurtful conversations. it's like a death in the family has occurred. i can't mourn the loss because i'm freer now than i've ever been.
i love my sister, but i dislike her behavior and personality.

Answer 8

Deception replace into by no potential the main suitable coverage, and isn't any longer , its a despicable act that comes from an untrusted man or woman which will by no potential get away with karma no count how long it takes, continually the main suitable coverage is honesty confident, whether you acquire deception from others one musnt do a similar.

Answer 9

Sometimes telling the truth can be painful, not only to yourself but to person you are being honest with. The process can be difficult but it paves the road to recovery and allows us a chance to make things right.

Answer 10

Yeah it does but sometimes you need to be tactful not everything needs to be told really when it could hurt someone. You ever had that feeling of "ahhh man i should've" well if it's important enough you really don't want that feeling when you die, people need a peace of mind.