What do you consider to be more important? Tact or Honesty?

Depends on the context, and your relationship to the person you are talking to. For instance, if my sister were to ask me if a particular dress looked good on her for the big party ( she wouldn't ask me that unless she really wanted my opinion), I might simply say that I thought the blue one might be a better choice. Of course, tact does not imply that you are NOT telling the truth, but are softening the impact. I wouldn't tell her I thought the dress she was wearing looked perfectly ghastly on her, though -- too hurtful, and it's only my opinion anyway.
 
To me truth is paramount. Do not ask me about your hair or your dress or your butt,unless you want my unvarnished opinion. I am what many commonly refer to as a asshole.

I also have a major problem with people bullshitting me. You know that one person who has always done one better than anyone else. Claims knowledge of a subject that they have no way of knowing, continually gets confused over what constitutes opinion and what is in fact,fact.

For this reason I am something of a recluse in order to limit damage in my inmy family and personal relationships.
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Truth is very important to me, I cannot abide the person who avoids the truth in case the other person can't take it.. oh boy not to me. I The truth doesn't have to be hurtful unless some malice is added to it. The truth is simply the way it is, why complicate it. I find it much easier to deal with than anything else. I don't lie, it is not difficult although I sometimes choose not to answer a question but I don't lie and I expect to be treated the same.
 
Depending on the situation.. I prefer tact... unless of course something is going to cause harm or be of danger.. then honesty. Most dealings with people are just not that important to hurt their feelings over. Why do it?
 
Truth. I don't like being lied to, I don't care how bad the situation. If someone is incapable of using tact, that is fine. My husband and I both felt very strongly about honesty and early on agreed to be upfront with each other. Only exception would be a white lie about a surprise of some sort. I lied to him when I planned his 60th birthday party. I told him we were invited to a party for someone else and when we walked into the banquet room, he saw both our families and couldn't figure out why they were there! It was quite a surprise.
 
Tact; Using it to prevent embarrassment or hard feelings toward someone.

I can be totally honest with TRUE friends or relatives/siblings, children etc.

I can also lie like a rug if/when necessary.

Don't tell me, you HONEST people, you never told your kids there was a Santa Claus or a Tooth Fairy ?!

Those are HUGE lies !
 
Jeannine said:
Truth is very important to me, I cannot abide the person who avoids the truth in case the other person can't take it.. oh boy not to me. I The truth doesn't have to be hurtful unless some malice is added to it. The truth is simply the way it is, why complicate it. I find it much easier to deal with than anything else. I don't lie, it is not difficult although I sometimes choose not to answer a question but I don't lie and I expect to be treated the same.
Click to expand...

I agree with this.
 
Once again I find myself agreeing with Aeron, Robusta, and Jeannine (then Carla and Jackie22 said similar things too).

However, to balance things for those taking a different view here, I can remember ruining a steak by over cooking it on a barbecue, and my next door neighbour dutifully tried to eat it whilst telling me it was okay. On something pretty trivial like this I did feel grateful for his being "conservative with the truth"!
 
Tactful honesty...My best buddy and sister in law are an example, youngest son too. I can't deal with hardcore honesty.Really, I'm Cancer the Crab in astrology. Rock hard shell and mush inside...better not try to get in my shell...I have sharp claws dangnabbit! But beneath my shell, I could start crying and never stop. I'm serious...do not come near me or I'll snip you up...
 
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