....On Honesty
Let's face it. At some point in our lives, we've told a lie, or we will have to fib a little. We've lied to our parents about where we've been. Lied to our teachers about why we didn't turn in an assignment on time. I know we've all lied to a friend, knowing damn well that we didn't want to go somewhere / do something with them. I lied about my age to see Friday when it came out. Literally, I wasn't even 12yrs old, but I lied [in my deepest manly voice] and told the cashier that I was 17. My point is, we all do it. It could be because we want something, or because we're trying to avoid something / someone. It sucks, but it happens.
Keeping with this ideal, a white lie here and there won't necessarily diminish your character, or have you burned at the stake. However, habitual lies are just uncalled for. I'm amazed at how creative a habitual liar can be. The stories they craft could win awards, but I think their memory is what has me captivated. Not only do they have to remember the lie, they have to remember which portions they've told to which people. In fact, the lie becomes so elaborate, that the liar him/herself actually starts to believe it. That, my friends, is a good-ass liar. Ooooh!! What about people that flat out lie to your face?!?! Doesn't that just burn you up on the inside? Even when the truth matters, they'll force feed you a lie to save face....or to save you? Can there ever be a situation in which telling a lie is better than telling the truth?
Consider these two choices: an "ugly truth," or a "beautiful lie." Both have small traces of satisfaction and relief, but both choices leave something to be desired. I'm sure that each of us will immediately align ourselves with one of these choices, based on our previous life experiences. Our past certainly has a way of shaping our future decisions, you know? Anyway, you've already made your decision, so I will share mine with you now. I'm a Misfit, and although lying is completely eff'd up, I'd prefer a "beautiful lie," as opposed to an "ugly truth."
Let's face it. At some point in our lives, we've told a lie, or we will have to fib a little. We've lied to our parents about where we've been. Lied to our teachers about why we didn't turn in an assignment on time. I know we've all lied to a friend, knowing damn well that we didn't want to go somewhere / do something with them. I lied about my age to see Friday when it came out. Literally, I wasn't even 12yrs old, but I lied [in my deepest manly voice] and told the cashier that I was 17. My point is, we all do it. It could be because we want something, or because we're trying to avoid something / someone. It sucks, but it happens.
Keeping with this ideal, a white lie here and there won't necessarily diminish your character, or have you burned at the stake. However, habitual lies are just uncalled for. I'm amazed at how creative a habitual liar can be. The stories they craft could win awards, but I think their memory is what has me captivated. Not only do they have to remember the lie, they have to remember which portions they've told to which people. In fact, the lie becomes so elaborate, that the liar him/herself actually starts to believe it. That, my friends, is a good-ass liar. Ooooh!! What about people that flat out lie to your face?!?! Doesn't that just burn you up on the inside? Even when the truth matters, they'll force feed you a lie to save face....or to save you? Can there ever be a situation in which telling a lie is better than telling the truth?
Consider these two choices: an "ugly truth," or a "beautiful lie." Both have small traces of satisfaction and relief, but both choices leave something to be desired. I'm sure that each of us will immediately align ourselves with one of these choices, based on our previous life experiences. Our past certainly has a way of shaping our future decisions, you know? Anyway, you've already made your decision, so I will share mine with you now. I'm a Misfit, and although lying is completely eff'd up, I'd prefer a "beautiful lie," as opposed to an "ugly truth."
In typical Misfit fashion, the logic behind my choice is probably unconventional, but it's how I reached a decision, and that's what we're going with. I like to use real-life scenarios to get my point across, to try and reduce some of the bias from the situation.
Scenario #1: You, or let's say a loved one, has been admitted into the hospital. While there, several tests are performed, in hopes of diagnosing the issue. The results are in, the Doctor has determined that it's a rare and terminal brain disease. Would you prefer the Doctor to approach you and your loved one and say, "We've found the issue, and it's a rare and terminal brain disease. Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do about it at this stage. It might be best to start getting your affairs in order. " OR would you rather the Doctor say, "We've found the issue, and it's a rare and terminal brain disease. Although the situation doesn't look very well, my staff and I will do all that we can to find a cure."
Scenario #2: You've fallen in strong like with someone. Sh*t, it happens to the best of us, right? Anyway, now that you're head over heels for this person, you quickly start to realize that those feelings aren't readily reciprocated. When you decide to question the person that has swept you off your feet, the awkward moment begins, and the explanation is on the launch pad. Would you prefer to hear, "You're a really great person, with an amazing personality. I just don't think that I'm the best person for you at this point in your life." OR would you rather hear, "You're just not my type. You're clingy, and that's that sh*t I don't like."
As you will notice, the "ugly truth" in both scenarios above lead to an absolute end. There's little room for interpretation, no room for an optimistic view. HOWEVER, with a "beautiful lie," one has hope...the opportunity to see the silver lining amongst the storm clouds. That is what people need these days. Hope. When presented with a garbage-ass spades hand, you can at least hope that your partner has the Big and Little Jokers, the Aces, or even the 2 of spades [because we all know that Deuces are wild....LOL]. Life's tough, but what makes it bearable is the notion that everything could possibly okay.
Scenario #1: You, or let's say a loved one, has been admitted into the hospital. While there, several tests are performed, in hopes of diagnosing the issue. The results are in, the Doctor has determined that it's a rare and terminal brain disease. Would you prefer the Doctor to approach you and your loved one and say, "We've found the issue, and it's a rare and terminal brain disease. Unfortunately, there's nothing we can do about it at this stage. It might be best to start getting your affairs in order. " OR would you rather the Doctor say, "We've found the issue, and it's a rare and terminal brain disease. Although the situation doesn't look very well, my staff and I will do all that we can to find a cure."
Scenario #2: You've fallen in strong like with someone. Sh*t, it happens to the best of us, right? Anyway, now that you're head over heels for this person, you quickly start to realize that those feelings aren't readily reciprocated. When you decide to question the person that has swept you off your feet, the awkward moment begins, and the explanation is on the launch pad. Would you prefer to hear, "You're a really great person, with an amazing personality. I just don't think that I'm the best person for you at this point in your life." OR would you rather hear, "You're just not my type. You're clingy, and that's that sh*t I don't like."
As you will notice, the "ugly truth" in both scenarios above lead to an absolute end. There's little room for interpretation, no room for an optimistic view. HOWEVER, with a "beautiful lie," one has hope...the opportunity to see the silver lining amongst the storm clouds. That is what people need these days. Hope. When presented with a garbage-ass spades hand, you can at least hope that your partner has the Big and Little Jokers, the Aces, or even the 2 of spades [because we all know that Deuces are wild....LOL]. Life's tough, but what makes it bearable is the notion that everything could possibly okay.
That's the potential a "beautiful lie" provides. You don't want to hear that the man / woman of your dreams flat out doesn't want you. You'd much rather hear that maybe there's someone out there better suited for the amount of affection you're willing to devote. Sure, it might not be what you want to hear, but it could end off being what you ultimately need to hear. Our words have the potential to break someone's spirit, or to build someone's confidence. You make the decision....
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