Do we really want to hear the Truth?
Over a decade ago a close friend made an observation about me that I didn't want to hear, but really needed to hear. It became the catalyst for major change. From that time on I have felt that if you consider yourself someone's friend you owe it to them to tell them the truth, especially when it isn't what they want to hear.
Mind you I didn't go out of my way to rub it in their faces (usually), but in the years that followed I did tell my friends what I thought they needed to hear. I am beginning to question that. Granted some of my friends were happy with the honest feedback, and some who weren't thrilled still took it in stride.
Others, however, responded quite poorly. To some I became a sort of Boogie Man. I don't think that they thought I was in error. If they had they would have either laughed it off or made an effort to point out how wrong I was. No, I think I hit the mark a little too close. Not only had I pointed out something that they were desperately trying to convince themselves was not true even though they knew that was a deception, I also make it clear that at least one person could see that deep dark secret that ruled their lives. At first they attempted to vilify me, then when that failed they ran screaming in terror from me (figuratively).
So I am wondering two things. Are people really interested in hearing the truth (as others see it) at all? Does the rest of the world see what I see but elect to keep it to themselves?
What do you think?
Mind you I didn't go out of my way to rub it in their faces (usually), but in the years that followed I did tell my friends what I thought they needed to hear. I am beginning to question that. Granted some of my friends were happy with the honest feedback, and some who weren't thrilled still took it in stride.
Others, however, responded quite poorly. To some I became a sort of Boogie Man. I don't think that they thought I was in error. If they had they would have either laughed it off or made an effort to point out how wrong I was. No, I think I hit the mark a little too close. Not only had I pointed out something that they were desperately trying to convince themselves was not true even though they knew that was a deception, I also make it clear that at least one person could see that deep dark secret that ruled their lives. At first they attempted to vilify me, then when that failed they ran screaming in terror from me (figuratively).
So I am wondering two things. Are people really interested in hearing the truth (as others see it) at all? Does the rest of the world see what I see but elect to keep it to themselves?
What do you think?