There are many circumstances where honesty is key. Many times, honesty is a requirement, while others it can be helpful, or just the most convenient option. However, there are also times where being too honest could result in a negative impact and make the situation worse. I believe being honest is good, but there can be moments people don’t need to share their opinion and shouldn’t just say whatever they want because of the impact it can have on others. There is a very fine line between opportunities and places honesty can be helpful and moments where honesty isn’t always needed.
Melany Salazar is an assistant manager at Mount Tabor Senior Villa, a caregiving facility that hosts elderly residents and cares for them. The job requires a certain level of honesty to keep the systems working. This includes keeping everything in check; involving management of medications and physical environment, as well as keeping residents entertained and content. When asked about her opinions regarding honesty and its connection to her work, she explains that she tries her best to use honesty whenever possible because it will often lead to a better outcome.“I always tell employees if they make a mistake,” Salazar shares. Her reasoning being that “it can result in something bad happening [if she isn’t honest]. Even if they leave a cup on the table, I tell them because one of the residents could have an episode and an incident could happen and cause bigger troubles for all of us.” She also mentions that being trustworthy —which is based in growing trust through honesty— is one of the most important traits in the caregiving industry. This especially applies in elder care homes as the families of residents are trusting the well-being of their family members to others. Owen Phillips, a junior at Franklin High School and someone known by family and friends for being honest in everything they do, was asked if being honest is important to others. They responded by saying “it is important to be honest to people. Lying in general isn’t such a good thing whereas being honest can build trust and people appreciate it when you’re honest.” Phillips continues, explaining that “You don’t always have to tell everyone what you think of them.” Additionally, honesty can allow other people to understand your needs and give them different perspectives on you. Nonetheless, never overlook trusting yourself. Honesty can be a tool to help with your own personal needs. This can include having less anxiety, feeling less antsy, boosting self- esteem, and bettering your mental health for a more manageable life overall since you aren’t always caught up in your lies.
There are also moments when honesty isn’t always appreciated or needed. Telling the truth could hurt someone’s feelings and self-esteem. It may be better to say something positive instead of being honest. For example, when someone asks you if you like their new outfit, but you don’t, being honest in this situation could cause more problems than you want it to, so you could compliment something like the color or pattern that you like instead. Another example could be one of your friends excitingly cooking dinner for you and it doesn’t taste very good. Telling them the truth could hurt their feelings more than you think and ruin the excitement for them, so share a part you do enjoy, even if it’s really small.
Most of the time, honesty builds trust between family, friends, acquaintances, and all of the people in your life. Being honest is one of the most important traits in a person. It tells people that they can trust you when they need it and that earns you respect. Even if honesty doesn’t seem right at the time, later down the road it’ll show you that it was needed and those involved will benefit from it. Not only can it help build relationships, but also support your own peace and communication.
