The value of honesty makes us free

The value of honesty not only dignifies us as people; In addition, it acts as a mechanism of peace and mental balance. The ability to be coherent, to make our truth, our needs and points of view reach others makes coexistence easier. This dimension It acts as that seed through which the most beautiful flower of all grows in our relationships: trust.

A Russian proverb says that with lies one can advance a lot in life. However, there comes a time when we will realize that there is no one by our side. Dishonesty abounds, it is true, and it is difficult to eradicate it because many make it their survival mechanism, a springboard to climb the steps in our society or, simply, because they no longer know how to act any other way.

We see this in almost any sphere with greater or lesser intensity. We demand honesty from our politicians, but we don’t always receive it. We expect it from certain people close to us such as friends, partners or family, but sometimes they fail us. And, be careful, most of the time they don’t do it with bad intentions. Sometimes what fails is the ability to be sincere.

Honesty will always be the best path in the course of existence and in the journey of any relationship. We always want others to tell us what they believe, think or feel without the filter of fear or condescension. In addition, We too must be able to always practice this value. Because without reciprocity, there is no respect or quality in the ties.

The value of honesty, synonymous with well-being and happiness in our relationships

The value of honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom. We almost always learn it from our parents, from that first close environment capable of instilling in us principles of coexistence, respect and self-respect. On the other hand, if we do not see it, nor do it offer it to ourselves in our early childhood and adolescence, it will be difficult for us to believe that such a dimension is of any use.

Dan Ariely, well-known writer, professor of psychology and behavioral economics at Duke University, United States, has a book titled The (honest) truth about dishonesty. This is, to say the least, a curious job. In it he explains to us that the vast majority of us see ourselves as completely honest people. But still, we lie.

We often lie for convenience and social survival., not to contradict others, not to lose relationships. According to Professor Ariely, we are dishonest in what we believe are the little things in life. They are those lies of little importance, but which, for us, guarantee not losing a friendship by telling them, for example, that their way of dressing seems bizarre.

Now, there is something he insists on in his book: Even small lies can be devastating at any given moment. Small lies sometimes lead us to tell others and, later, more significant ones. Dishonesty knows no size. In small or large acts, it always has its effect.

Honest feedback, a dimension to facilitate daily

The value of honesty takes on greater significance when it is applied through feedback. What does this mean? It means that When you and I are able to be honest with each other we build proper trust.. And not only that. By acting with sincerity, transparency and respect for each other, we help each other and allow ourselves to grow as people.

On the other hand, there are those who, for example, do not tolerate honest comments. Sometimes, telling a family member “I can’t come see you today because I need time for myself” could mean little more than anger or misunderstanding something that is not the case. Sometimes, the value of honesty creates discrepanciesespecially for those who do not tolerate being contradicted or using sincerity.

Now, beyond all this, there is evidence: this kind of sincerity should be the norm in our society. An interesting article from the University of Southern Denmark agrees with this, where they show the serious consequences of dishonesty.

Honesty as a mental health exercise

The value of honesty sets us free. It achieves this because it allows us to let go of ballast: that of falsehood, that of the need to look good even if they are boycotting us. Few psychological well-being exercises are as useful as being clear about our emotions and feelings, always with respect, obviously. Saying what we think and need creates protective boundaries and also builds bridges through which trust flows.

It is true that this act can make us lose a relationship. However, if we are not allowed to be honest, this relationship is fueled by falsehood and condescension and all of this, in the long term, is harmful. This competition encourages us to create a more positive image of ourselves. and, in turn, help us create more valuable and authentic relationships. It depends on us.

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