It's better to be hurt with the truth than this

Wouldn't you agree that it's better to be hurt with the truth than comforted with a lie?

It's no surprise people say that our closest friends give it to us straight -- they're the ones who don't sugarcoat anything, even if we may take it the wrong way at first.

However, some people mistakenly assume that they're doing us a favor by not being completely open. They reason that it's worth it if it'll spare you those hurt feelings.

What they don't consider, however, is how painful it can be to discover later on that the person wasn't being entirely honest. While it may seem like the person is acting in the other's best interest, they're really only thinking of themselves. Perhaps they fear that if the truth comes out, the relationship might change, or even be in jeopardy. But doesn't the person deserve the truth?

Imagine how many marriages or relationships have come to an end as a result of one partner asserting with conviction that they haven't cheated (despite early warning signs that the other chose to ignore) and were later found to be lying.

The moment cheating crosses one's mind, that's when they should have a serious heart-to-heart with their partner. But if the person goes down that slippery slope of infidelity, the only way to stanch the bleeding at that point is to come clean. Keeping the cheating a secret will only exacerbate the problem.

If your friend or partner is living recklessly -- whether by shopping frivolously, drinking uncontrollably, or hopping aimlessly from one job or relationship to another -- they need to be told so. Such behavior shouldn't be allowed to go unchecked. A true friend or loving partner addresses the problem in a constructive way -- the last thing you want to do is reprimand the other -- and tries to help them through it.

Sometimes we're the ones to give our loved ones a reality check they so desperately need. Perhaps they're in denial or are just waiting for us to bring it up before they do.

Even if the truth hurts them at first, once the dust finally settles, chances are they will thank you for your sincerity, even if the relationship is beyond repair.

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