Can you, can you really handle the truth? The whole truth and nothing but the truth? I think you’ll find the answer to that question is a big fat NO!
Over my years of being an honesty is always the best policy type of person I’ve found that a large majority of the population really can’t handle the truth in any way shape or form. Understandably the information is seldom easy to listen to let alone digest, but if it hurts your feelings then generally speaking it’s because there’s some truth behind it. You automatically react that way because it hurts, it hurts your feelings. But most likely you’ll go immediately on the attack without even a consideration of what is about to come flying out your mouth. And there lies the biggest problem.
Immediately you see the glass as half empty and automatically assume that this person who’s usually a friend is deliberately attacking you for some unknown reason. I mean really, do you think you’re friend wakes up on that particular day and sets out to deliberately tell you something they know you don’t want to hear so that in return you can retaliate, and usually in a hostile manner? Again, I don’t think so.
With every action there is an equal reaction. And it’s the reaction you choose that determines how it’s going to end. You can only control yourself and all that you say and do, nobody else. So how this ends is entirely up to you.
My Mum taught me that from a very young age honesty is always the best policy, even if it hurts. It’s seldom a personal thing although it’s all to often interpreted that way and that’s the bit that hurts. Not because you’re being attacked but because you’re hearing something you don’t necessarily want to hear let alone deal with. But alas, it’s easier to blame the other person than to look within for the real answer which generally speaking you probably already know anyway.
I’ve lived and work all over this country and met many different people along the way. I’ve also taught 1000′s of students over the last five years and have come across this very scenario time and time again.
Me personally, I’m an upfront and honest person and unfortunately that doesn’t win me friends or influence people. LOL!! In actual fact it’s often controversial but I seldom get personal about it. I’m not about to lower my standards because of how someone may interpret what I’m saying to them. Life is what it is and I’m not wasting a second of my life customising it for someone else just to save their feelings. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not deliberately mean to people but I’m by no means a people pleaser. I’d rather have my small network of people in my life that I respect and trust than the world’s biggest social network. It’s quality, not quantity for me.
Be true to yourself, be true to those around you. Life isn’t meant to be easy and trying to please everyone all the time isn’t healthy for you, or for them. Don’t be afraid to be different from everybody else and have an opinion that’s uniquely yours.
You only get one chance at this life.
xxx
