Ask Mikey: The truth about honesty

Ahwatukee Foothills Newspaper
July 28, 2011

It is so much easier to tell the truth than it is to lie to someone. Every time you are asked about what may have happened you will always have the same story because that is how you remember how it happened because it actually, honestly happened that way. If you lie, you are constantly forcing yourself to have to make mental notes about what lie you told to whom, and you will always turn yourself in towards the end because you can't remember the original story you told, sort of like when you used to play the telephone game.

Yet, why is it that people think it is much easier and better to lie than to tell the truth?

When someone knows the truth, no matter if it hurts, at least they can depend on the fact that it's true. The truth shows that you value and have respect for other people around you and that you are treating others the way you wish to be treated - in an honest way.

Lying just hurts others around you and who you care about the most. You have to ask yourself about what the consequences will be when you lie to someone. Is it really worth it to hurt the person that you love the most? To have others disappointed in you who may have looked up to you? It's never worth hurting anyone over a lie you may have told, when you could have easily just told the truth up front. Lying also shows your true character, especially if you never confess your lie. Which one do you think is worse? Lying and confessing about it? Or lying and confessing once someone caught you and confronted you about it? How about not lying at all, and then you will never have to answer that one.

Surely, the truth can hurt at times, especially when it is about something that we didn't want to hear or even know, however, we can rest easy knowing that despite it may have hurt at least we know it's the truth. People who tell the truth also appreciate when other people tell them the truth as well.

There is no reason to ever lie to anyone at any time. Would you want someone lying to you? If not, then what is the point of lying to someone else? Be an example for others and tell the truth, not half of the time or 75 percent of the time, all of the time. It's easier, people will respect you more, and you will still be able to look at yourself in the mirror at the end of the day. The truth about honesty is: To live your life in an honest way. You won't regret if you lived your life in pure honesty. Now, if you lived your life in dishonesty, you are surely to regret that and all those you hurt one day. Make the right choice and choose the honest way.