How important is honesty to you?

[debodun]

1) tell the truth at all costs
2) tell the truth unless it will hurt or offend someone
3) keep them guessing with a mixture
4) exaggerating because it is fun to see people's reactions
5) what is honesty?

 

[Aunt Bea]

3

I'm honest with the people that mean the most to me.

I don't actually lie to people I just edit my conversations with them.

My grandmother used to say: "you don't have to tell people everything you know!"

 

[Patio Life]

1
And if I should just not say anything - I shut up.
I don't want to try to remember a lie later.

In my working life I often had to tell people things they did not want to hear, but I never lied to them.

 

[Warrigal]

I value honesty very highly because with it goes trustworthiness, integrity and authenticity.

"This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man."

Hamlet Act 1, scene 3, 78–81

 

[Gary O']

1) tell the truth at all costs

but use discretion
one doesn't have to be brutal, no matter the situation

after living a few years, it's a 'duh' thing
some folks take longer to learn this
for some, eternity is not near enough time

 

[Kimwhiz]

So so important to me. That’s the one thing my son knew he must never do is lie to me. Of course he did and he felt the wrath. Lol. Now that’s he’s grown, he’s honest to a fault. I had a eye dr office send me a $2,000 check. Someone didn’t report that it had already been credited to my credit card. I called and tried to tell them it was a mistake. I had to make several calls until they believed me and I could send it back. I could’ve used a extra 2k but my conscience wouldn’t let me. Lol. My momma made me feel the guilt growing up.

 

[hypochondriac]

1) tell the truth at all costs
2) tell the truth unless it will hurt or offend someone
3) keep them guessing with a mixture
4) exaggerating because it is fun to see people's reactions
5) what is honesty?

Honesty is being aware of how fake we are. Being fake helps us survive. Even we don't tell lies, we can decide to stay quiet and not say what we really think.
I don't think there is anything wrong with a certain level of fakeness. Masks protect us and other people. its the people we are close to we can really take off our masks. But even that is risky.
sorry if my post annoys anyone. my answer is still evolving in my head

 

[Sassycakes]

I'm usually very honest. I only lie so I don't hurt anyone. Years ago a friend of mine was worried that her husband was having an affair. I knew he was but didn't have the heart to tell her. So I guess I am a mixture of an honest person who sometimes lies.

 

[cherylpamela]

Honesty is important, especially in a relationship and if you are a spiritual person like myself...this is where I am learning not to judge anyone or anything anymore....karma plays a part too. Lots of hugs to you all <3

 

[Lara]

To be honest, I would have to say 2 as in little white lies so as not to hurt feelings. But there are times when 1 is absolutely the right thing to do.

 

[hypochondriac]

I'm even fake with my dog. "You are the best behaved dog in our neighbourhood." Seems to improve his behaviour though.

 

[AnnieA]

I value it--especially in others In practice, I'm a little past 2.

 

[Gary O']

I'm even fake with my dog. "You are the best behaved dog in our neighbourhood."

 

[win231]

I'm usually very honest. I only lie so I don't hurt anyone. Years ago a friend of mine was worried that her husband was having an affair. I knew he was but didn't have the heart to tell her. So I guess I am a mixture of an honest person who sometimes lies.

I was in that situation with a friend. I could never forgive myself if he got an STD from his wife after she'd been with other men - especially a deadly one like AIDS, so I told him. I knew he might get mad at the messenger but I was willing to risk it. He was glad I told him.

 

[win231]

My ex wife was a terrible cook. Her feelings were rather fragile, so I wasn't always honest with her when it came to some things.
She tried to make a nice dinner but the fish was like a tire.
She kept asking me how it was & I said, "Honey, this dinner could heal the sick," when it could make someone sick.

 

[hypochondriac]

this dinner could heal the sick.
im gonna use that one.

 

[Capt Lightning]

My mother believed what she wanted to believe, truth or lies. Sometimes it was much better to tell her what she wanted to hear. I doubt if she was alone in that.
So, I suppose that's a 3.

 

[toffee]

well iam being honest saying this ---------but I am not honest all the time i'me not a saint /
I try to be straight in most things in my everyday life 'honesty can hurt people as well,

 

[debodun]

I like the Mark Twain quote, "Never let the truth get in the way of a good story." So take that for what it's worth and apply it to me.

 

[Ruthanne]

Yes, I appreciate honesty but not rudeness. So many things can be hurtful when some think they are being brutally honest. I feel it's their rude opinion. I am pretty honest but will withhold some things as to not hurt feelings at times too.

 

[A2ZGrammie]

I've been told I'm too honest. I need to learn to edit.

 

[charry]

im often told , im too honest.....some say , i have No Tact ....but im just being Honest ..

 

[StarSong]

I'll take #5: What is honesty?

I've yet to meet humans over 18 months old who don't shade stories to avoid unpleasantness or to put themselves in a better light. Isn't that a level of dishonesty?

We all exaggerate to improve a so-so story (at least the more interesting folks do). When someone asks, "What did you do today?" do people really think that an honest reply would include a complete minute-to-minute recitation? They're looking for highlights, and a little added zest for emphasis is understood to be acceptable.

The skill of shielding others from unpleasant, but basically unimportant truths is a social grace, not a sign of dishonesty. How many men really hear how ridiculous their comb-overs look, or that their black socks and wingtips don't work well with those too-short shorts? How many women really want to be told that their skirt makes their butts look even bigger, or that less is more when it comes to make-up on an ageing face?

That said, among people who know me well I'm considered an honest, direct person. I try to avoid putting myself in situations where honesty about important matters would be difficult.