by Marlena B Beal

Created on: October 14, 2009   Last Updated: October 15, 2009

Unless you have a propensity to wield this specific trait like a surgical scalpel, ideally, according to Mr. Webster being forthright desires we go straight to the point, be direct and possess a character quality for being outspoken-not overbearing. Of course there exists a majority of people who opt for the blade of truth, emphasis on "blade."

In practically everyone's life experiences, inevitably there arrives the proverbial uncomfortable moment when we are challenged to be forthright and brutally honest without being rude, offensive. It is the quintessential dilemma interacting with people you would rather keep at arms' length such as a misunderstood co-worker who always knows better, a casual friend suffering from the sharing of too much information syndrome, that pessimistic friend who can never find a color in the rainbow or any individual you don't have the luxury of ignoring since they are part of the revolving door of people in your life. Normally, if you are not possessed of the Hyde-Jekyll personality, choosing the forthright path is not always an easy task since it usually involves some discussion regarding an uncomfortable topic or issue.

As a rule of thumb, I have discovered most people who pride themselves on being forthright believe the words rude and forthright are synonymous. For those unsuspecting victims of these higher called self-appointed bearers of truth, dodging the bullet usually means, too late, we have already been labeled for their own personal target practice. Once you have been singled out as prey, no amount of fancy footwork will remove you from this social predator's line of sight.

For example, you rarely have to stretch the boundaries of your circles of influence to find these individuals among friends, acquaintances, co-workers, family members who wear their rude and insulting behavior behind the guise of forthrightness like a badge of honor as they sling their abusive tongue without discretion or restraint. I have female acquaintances who tell me with a sense of great pride, People think I am a bitch because I just tell the truth but hey, that's who I am who am I to argue with their perception of who they are? On the other hand, I have male acquaintances (I normally try to avoid) who believe being a butt hole is forthrightly pointing out a person's shortcomings or mistakes makes them feel important as they slice and dice their way through other peoples' lives. Of course I beg to question whose truth are we talking

Their sense

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