There are a lot of people who take pride in being ‘honest’ and ‘saying
it like it is’. There are the positive elements of this in business and in
personal lives.
But there is another type, the random type. It is seductive to think they
are more honest, more real, more truthful than the rest of us and hold
some special place in honesty heaven as a result. But if you really, truly
look at what comes out of their mouth, most of the time it isn’t really
about honesty and some exalted sense of forthrightness.
In those random cases it is about two other things. One, it is about not
knowing boundaries, not knowing when to shut up. Two it is about
enjoying the power to shock and get a reaction.
This is especially important to help teenagers to understand. Verbal
‘honesty’ has a purpose, it isn’t just a lack of self-control, or a weapon.
It is used to help people or situations. You can be honest about your
mother or father or friend having trouble with alcohol. You can be
honest with your spouse about your feelings. That is legitimate. But
to just spout off supposed truths because you are the ‘honest’ type is
an immature and mean-spirited thing to do. Teaching our children
the difference, when to use ‘honesty’ and when to shut up, is one of
the best things we can do for them.
“The person who always says just what he thinks at last gets just what he deserves.” – anonymous
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This is ‘Didchya Know?’ Monday
In the last month the Napkin Dad Daily has been visited by
15 universities from around the world.
- Boston College, Massachusetts – USA
- Georgia State University, – USA
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- McMasters University, Ontario – Canada
- Moore College, Pennsylvania – USA
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- Universidad de Zaragoza – Spain
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Where are you visiting from today?