by Erin Steeley

Created on: July 08, 2009   Last Updated: July 09, 2009

"Just one, little white lie, that's all." How many times have we all said this in our head, and then later deeply regret it. The little white lie that you drop in the midst of a situation can turn into an enormous headache in a very short time. Lies must be maintained, and sometimes over long periods of time. They can come back to haunt us as well, in a single question that if we answer wrong turns the tables and shows clearly our deceit. Honesty, on the other hand, doesn't have to be maintained. It is not always pretty, or kind, but once said it is just what it is, the truth - nothing more, nothing less.

This is why honesty is truly the best policy. When you take responsibility for actions that you have committed, or give your account of a situation in an honestly reasonable manner, you not only gain respect but trust.. Trust is a key factor in our society today, and at times is hard to find. Truth is an essential in any career field: business, government, teaching, art, whatever you do, honesty can have a huge impact on your ability to make a living. Some people get by quickly and successfully telling a lie here or there, but just as quickly lose what they gained when the lie is exposed - as it almost always is.

Also, truth does not harm even if it may seem so when you tell it. In the long run, it benefits. Lies can cause pain, damage relationships of all types, and makes the person lying eventually feel guilt for what they have done. If you consider the people in your life that you most respect and would trust with your life, one of the first qualities about them that you can name is that they are honest.

When you earn something by honest work and actions it is so much more meaningful than when you achieve it dishonestly. Cheating on a test might garner you an "A" grade, but it is not a true reflection of yourself. When you have studied and worked hard, passing the same test with an "A" that you have truly earned, you have something to be proud of.

One thing to also consider about honesty is the little eyes that watch everyone taller than them each day in every action and word: our children. They absorb not only what we do, but how we do it. Children are remarkable at gauging when someone is lying to them or to another. They also copy what they see in someone they admire. If we model honesty, we will have an honest world. The other side of the coin is one of irresponsibility, and people growing up thinking that manipulating others is acceptable. Honesty also lets us know where we stand in relation to others. Instead of telling someone else what they want to know, simply be honest. This keeps resentment from boiling up inside that can later explode, causing damage to a once wonderful relationship.

Honesty does not have to be blunt and rude, either. There are tactful ways to tell someone how you feel, or to give advice. Constructive criticism is one of the most useful tools in learning, and when given tactfully and honestly, it can greatly benefit another to improve some aspect of him or herself.

In basic context, if you want to tell stories be a writer. Living an honest life to the best of your ability is one of the most honorable and kindest services that anyone can give to humanity. It helps us to keep avenues of communication open, an atmosphere of trust to pervade, and keeps people closer together in a more peaceful environment.

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