by Lillyswawa

Created on: October 23, 2010

One of the hardest things to do at times is to communicate our feelings and opinions honestly. This is especially true for people who try very hard to always please those around them. If you are going to live an open and honest existence, you will have to rise above the fear of rejection by some people who either disagree with your opinions or who are simply put off by the truth (or, at the very least, your truthfulness).

It is clearly wrong to say something deliberately which will either offend or wound.

Still, it is hardly helpful to another to lie to them and hope they will feel secure in that lie. For example, is it ever alright to keep knowledge to yourself when you know that someone will most surely be harmed eventually by your silence? Honesty may not always be easy; in fact, it often takes more courage to be candid than to be careful.

There are times when you think that you would like to share a fact about yourself with someone so that you may grow closer in your relationship one to another. Perhaps, it is a good friend of the same sex whom you would wish to know you better. Or, it may be a romantic interest that you have come to trust with many things up to this point. You want to open up to them but, fear they will judge you or, worse - pass the information along to others you would not wish to know it.

How so often this fear paralyzes us and keeps us from being, - quite frankly, who we are!

Be willing to break away from the "fear of man" and make an attempt be come more forthright in your communications with others. After all, you don't want a friend merely to shadow but to compliment. In is in this way, your relational bonds are strong and real, not phony.

Certainly, it is wise to remain cautious in your dealings with those you first meet. Not everyone is mature enough to be trusted with your deepest secrets and most intimate feelings. But, know that your opinions do count as much as anyone else's do and be assured that sharing them is not a betrayal of those who hold different viewpoints.

This quest for honest communication works to the advantage of all parties concerned. As you are are willing to open up, those around you will be encouraged to do the same. When others see that you trust them, they will be more likely to trust you, as well.

Vulnerability is the first step to real intimacy.

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