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Tales of a coffee-holic: The best policy

We’re all liars.

Some of you out there might disagree with me, but I’d say if you do, you’re just lying to yourself. I know that most Sidney residents take pride in the community’s high moral standards. Dishonesty probably goes against that.

However, sometimes politeness requires a lie. Dealing with children requires a fair amount of lies as well, simply because sometimes kids can’t handle the truth.

I challenge you to consider how many lies, small and large you tell your friends, co-workers, children and loved ones each day. I think at the end of that day you might be surprised by how many you told.

Sure, sometimes white lies are necessary. The age-old question “Do I look fat in this?” is a tricky one. Although telling the truth when the answer is “yes” might earn you a night on the couch or a bruise on the face if you’re not quick enough to dodge that shoe your wife lobbed at your head, honesty might be what your partner truly desires.

It’s hurtful to hear that your spouse doesn’t find what you’re wearing flattering, but if your honey is looking for an honest answer and you don’t give one, it’s not helping anything. A tactful honest answer could be what your partner is looking for.

Telling lies in the workplace might be a boss’ solution to diluting conflict or to keep workers’ tempers in check. In my opinion, honesty is always the best policy.

If we’re shooting for real, honest relationships with those around us, there’s really no place for lying. What good is telling your girlfriend her cooking is delicious when it tastes like burnt cardboard? You will have to choke it down without making a face and she will probably have the sneaking suspicion that you’re full of it. What’s the point in promising a potential job candidate a salary that you can’t provide? You’ll only end up with a disgruntled employee, before he or she even begins at your company.

Lying to place the blame on someone else when you’ve made a mistake doesn’t help anyone. Another innocent person will undoubtedly be blamed and if you have any sort of conscience, you’ll feel guilty. Then you’ll have to worry about whether or not someone will find out about your dishonesty.

Even if you pride yourself on honesty, I guarantee you told at least one lie today, probably more than that. We all do. I think we should all pay a little more attention to the lies, small and large that we tell every day and consider what kind of person that makes us. Are we telling them to save someone’s feelings or to avoid problems for ourselves? Consider how your interaction with co-workers, loved ones and friends would change for the better if you were more honest.

 

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