honesty
With honesty, as with all good things, we can have too much. If a casual acquaintance spills out her darkest secrets at a party, we may question her maturity rather than admire her openness. Likewise, at the wrong place and the wrong time, our efforts to be frank can lead downward in a spiraling process that make us the focus of unwanted attention or unduly concern.
Some of us equate honesty with the uncensored expression of thoughts and feelings. While it is wonderful to have a relationship so relaxed and intimate that we can share anything without first thinking about it, yet, honesty should still be accompanied by tact. I want the people who matter to be upfront and spontaneous with me, but i also want them to consider my feelings.
Because sometimes in moments we claim to be 'most honest', we may be anxiously reacting to him or her, confusing the intensity of our emotions as an urgency to speak the truth. As for me, sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will always hurt me. As we grow up, we learn to restrain ourselves, taking the time and effort to reflect and clarify what we really think and feel, and where we stand on the important issues. If i look like i'm inhibited, be patient with me; i'm growing not to be less honest, but to be more sensitive.
Some of us equate honesty with the uncensored expression of thoughts and feelings. While it is wonderful to have a relationship so relaxed and intimate that we can share anything without first thinking about it, yet, honesty should still be accompanied by tact. I want the people who matter to be upfront and spontaneous with me, but i also want them to consider my feelings.
Because sometimes in moments we claim to be 'most honest', we may be anxiously reacting to him or her, confusing the intensity of our emotions as an urgency to speak the truth. As for me, sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will always hurt me. As we grow up, we learn to restrain ourselves, taking the time and effort to reflect and clarify what we really think and feel, and where we stand on the important issues. If i look like i'm inhibited, be patient with me; i'm growing not to be less honest, but to be more sensitive.
