My parents always used to tell us when we were growing up to "never tell a lie because you will just have to tell another to cover up for that one, and another to cover up for that one, and on and on." And, oh, by the way, you will be caught -- sooner or later, someone will learn of your deception.
Mom and Dad were right -- so right.
I don't care to get on a soapbox about the importance of honesty. I do have to say, though, that when I learn that someone I've trusted -- whether personally or professionally -- has been involved in some deceptive activities, it does cause me to pause and wonder if they've always been completely honest with me.
If you feel like you have to hide or be secretive about some activity you're involved in, that probably means you shouldn't be involved in it. And once you see or experience the dishonesty, betrayal, or deception of someone, building that trust again can be a long, long process. Unfortunately, sometimes that rebuilding is really never completed.
I guess it really does come back to the Golden Rule -- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Being honest may be the tougher road to travel, but isn't having the trust and respect of those around you worth it??
Nice post. Some parents do teach their kids to lie without realizing it.
HA!
The nice thing about telling the truth is that you don't have to remember what you said.
Gita -- Yes, I know what you mean...ugh...
Lenn -- Excellent point and SO true!
People would be amazed at the stories people have told on Active Rain...about their production, their staffs, relationships, experience...and then when you are actually in their market and can learn the truth...you wonder if they even know what the truth is...
Peggy, it's always hard to keep the stories straight when lying. It's better to just tell the truth.
Absolutely. And in the future, you always have that little doubt.
You are so right about liers getting caught. Eventually it will all come back to them.
A lot of parents teach their kids to lie. I have lender right now that keeps telling me today, tomorrow oh wait I was waiting on you to send it. I hate that.
I've noticed most of the comments are about kids the old saying out of the mouth of babes, am I reading something into this or has an adult lied to you in the recent past? Not a good thing not a good thing at all..
Thank you for all your comments!
I had just recently learned of some "shady" behavior some people I know have been partaking in, and it sounds like they're choosing to continue lying. Just amazes me. And quite disappointing, too. Kind of makes you wonder about their overall character...
You are so right! The thing about a lie is that the truth always seems to come out eventually. So why even bother with the lie. Is it worth the stress to try to live with the lie? Absolutely NOT!
Peggy - I have just been slandered beyond belief right here on Active Rain. I am currently addressing this vicious attack and will give you the link when my response is completed.
Lying compromises integrity. Without integrity what have we ... as professionals or as people? There is nothing worth lying about, not money, relationships, anything. If you understand your priorities and live your life in congruency with them there is no need to lie. If you don't like somebody's activities you probably don't want to be around them. Just their vibration will bring you down knowing what you know. It is unfortunate, and they may ultimtely change, but the doubt will linger. When you can trust someone you can't entrust them with anything.
Please sit tight and wait to make a decision on what you believe. If this is about a certain post that attacks a certain company you have worked with in the past, this issue will be addressed in very short order and you will know the rest of the story. Please keep in mind your interactions with the people that are accused of "shady behavior" and see if it even jives. I really hope it doesn't.
I'm with Lenn on this....I sleep well at night :)
Thank you for your kind emails, Peggy. We appreciate it. It all got resolved one way or another. I'm just sad it had to go public when it really shouldn't have. Thank you.
Heather -- You're very welcome. I'm glad everything turned out alright!
Celeste -- I'm with Lenn, too. :)
Jim -- Very well put. I agree that the doubt will linger, even if the person does change...
Irene -- Amen! Like I said, the incident I just learned about amazes me because from what I last heard, the individuals are choosing to continue with the lies. Unbelievable.
Honesty really is the best policy.