Tuesday, March 31, 2009

The Truth Hurts

Why can't we just tell the truth?

Why are we always worried about what others will think? Why is it not acceptable to speak you mind in certain situations?

Some people praise others for their honesty, others are berated for being too blunt. Which is better?

Now, I can already see your comments: Its all about tact, I know. You don't want to hurt others feelings. You don't to be rude. You don't want to seem stuck up or snobbish for your opinion.

WHY?

Why can't we just all be brutally honest with each other and stop pussy-footing around trying to make others feel better about themselves? That shirt does make you look fat. I am mad that you bailed on me. We aren't friends, stop trying to make it happen.

Why, when some one asks me how I am doing, am I obligated to say, "Oh, fine." Even when I want to punch someone in the face? Why can't I say, "I'm pissed off, thanks. Now shut up or you're making my list." And just have that accepted and followed.

I am in a business of polite tact. But sometimes you have to put your foot down. I'm just never allowed to do it when I really want to. (I'm sorry you want your $600 check cashed with no questions asked, but you only have $.37 in your account, and I am going to make you deposit something because I am not a Check-into-Cash, I am a credit union.) By the time I leave work I no longer want to be nice and polite. Maybe I need to join the Roller Derby or something to get my aggression out. I want to say it like it is, and have those around me respect me for it. I don't have the patience to make you feel good about yourself.

This may sound a little harsh, and I would love to say that I am starting a new fad of being honest, despite the consequences, but I know that would be a lie. I am not like that. My sense of decency makes me think twice when tempted to tell someone how I really feel. It's how we all get along. Make friends, get jobs, live happily ever after. And I know that.

But sometimes....

5 comments:

Vee said...

you might enjoy a job in social work. I am paid to be painfully honest with people. Sometimes there's no time for tact ;-)

Unknown said...

What caused all this? If this shirt makes me look fat, I WANT to know! Please tell me!

Anonymous said...

Couldn't agree with you more. Whatever happened to "honesty is the best policy"?!

Anyway, we should join the Roller Derby team. Seriously.

Unknown said...

I'm all for roller derby. I think we could kick some serious butt.

Anonymous said...

This is why I don't have a blog. I would be too honest. It is OK not be be honest for minor things that would hurt feelings. But it is very important to be honest in most daily dealings. That way you don't have to remember what you told someone!

Mark