Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

The Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth


Never apologize for showing feeling. When you do so, you apologize for the truth.........Benjamin Disraeli

I am far from the philosopher, although I did love the subject while in school. I read a post today about the "truth", whether or not it will set you free. To tell the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, or not? "To thine own self be true"?
I find that it's my instinct that allows the truth to come spewing out of me all the time. Or maybe it was just my Catholic upbringing that scarred the truth out of me lest I burn in hell. What I'm trying to say is that I can't lie well. It shows immediately on my face. My friends used to tell me that they'd never want to do anything that requres telling a lie with me because my face just shines "guilty"!!! But yet there are those who don't think twice about telling an untruth. It come naturally to them.
But there are those occasions, in the post I just read says, that one should be tactful in order not to hurt someone. Tactful as in lying. That's what got me thinking. Should we tactfully lie in order not to be hurtful. Is that "being true to yourself"? I feel everytime I do lie there's a sort of karma that builds up and although I don't feel it right away, there is a "cosmic" price one has to pay in the future, in the form of mental anquish or something similar.
So yes, I am "tactlessly" truthful most of the time and yes, there are those occasions where the people around me do not appreciate it. But I've found through my own experience that in order to feel good on the inside, one must sometimes be bad on the outside. Does that make any sense???

What do you do?
Peace

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Will the truth set you (or me) free ? I am still pondering that question and seeking the answer.

Michael C said...

Wow, that is deep. Yes, I try to be tactful so I don't hurt or offend someone.

Deb said...

I think I tend to lean towards telling the truth, but I can be tactful if the occasion calls for it.. or I use the old "HEY WHATS THAT OVER ---------------->> THERE" line.

It works every time. hehe

Schmoop said...

I'm with Deb...When in doubt, change the subject. Cheers!!

Sarge Charlie said...

The tough part is trying to live a lie, truth will set you free......

Danielle said...

I admit that I am not always truthful but also come away with an uneasy feeling even if the truth is being withheld for the benefit of another's feelings. My husband on the other hand is always truthful. He has a gift in dishing out his truth in ways that appear on the surface to be in jest but always make one stop and wonder due to his word choices. He might not be straightforward however but his truth is released. Being more truthful in life has always been a goal I strive toward, it is a skill indeed to be true and tactful at the same time.

OOOooo Odat you got me thinking on that one, you did.

As always wishing you well.

AND THAT'S THE TRUTH ;}

Constance said...

It's a conundrum, isn't it, Odat ? I find that living with integrity is what makes me feel good about myself. There is a way to be sort of tactful when you are telling me a hurtful truth -- nad you also end up being with people who know where you are coming from and feel safe with you.

Happy Tuesday to you !

Anonymous said...

everything is situational. If someone asks if the dress makes them look fat, i will not say yes, lets face it, it's not the dress. If a friend has a haircut that looks like crap and there is nothing they can do until it grows, I wont say it looks like crap. It does more damage to say so than to let it go. a positive Self perception can lead people through many bad hair days. As for lies, i find I need to define the truth first, and sometimes that is all grey too. So, I have a lot of leeway. Maybe I've worked at the Law office too long?

RW said...

Thats a good subject Odat! Now do ya think I am telling the truth? LOL just kidding ..I wish I could stop telling the truth ..but my mouth is there before my brain is!
Roger-N-Out

ramo said...

Oh well, my whole life is a lie. No Karma is building up anywhere. If it is, I am ready to go to hell. The sooner the better.

Lone Grey Squirrel said...

If I have nothing nice to say, i try not saying anything but if I'd had to, I'd always tell the truth.

I like being known for being truthful. So if someone who knows me asks me a question, he/she should know i will only tell the truth. If they can't handle they shouldn't have asked.

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

tough one odat! i do think if i hurt someone else to make myself feel better that i am being selfish. but then i sure don't have any answers. or chocolate either...

smiles, bee

Unknown said...

I just tell it like it is and the heck with the feelings and consequences.

By the way. It really pisses me off that Miss Bee always gets chocolate in your comments room. Do I ever get laid here. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Do you ever post pictures of your HOOTERS?????? NOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Sometimes you really just piss me off.

Like I say... I just tell it like it is.

Peace to you.

Later Y'all