Two Truths and a Lie

2010 March 3
by Grace Boyle

Dare to be true:  nothing can need a lie:  A fault, which needs it most, grows two thereby.  ~George Herbert

Dare to be true. It’s not easy – we live in a society where deceit, betrayal and dishonesty are prevalent. You know what I’m talking about – averted, downcast eyes, believing someone so much only to find out their words were tainted. I cringe at the thought, at the lies that have hit me in the chest and that place where those lies come from.

But dear George Herbert is so right. There are few instances in which I can think a lie is warranted and even when you bend the truth a little, to speak the sweet truth, I still feel a pinch.

With that being said, I am a human. I have lied. You know little lies, that you don’t think are a big deal, or not the whole truth.

Or is lying really a lie when no one asks you, but you also don’t tell? I want to keep certain things to myself – secrets that don’t need to be surfaced, but rather harbored, until they are ready to be opened up. It depends on your definition of lying, but I’m raising my hand, here’s my truth, I’ve told a lie. Or two…

Lying is one big black hole, isn’t it?

Okay, so I’m simplifying it. I still firmly believe in daring to be true. My best friends are refreshingly honest with me, I know I can always count on that and in return, I will give them the same respect. And really, if you live in an honest world and tell the truth you don’t have to back peddle or try to remember your lie(s).

I feel better living an honest life, where I trust what I say instead of looking behind my back, trying to cover my lies and wonder who will find out.

After all, truth alone triumphs. It always does. That’s the truth.

So, I dare you, to be true. Tell me about your lies and your truths. When have you slipped up? When have you been honest?

[Note: In the spirit of truths and lies, here's some full disclosure for you: This post is connected to the Athenos Two Truths and a Lie Party in Denver, where they're giving away lots of cool stuff, including a free trip to South Beach! I love their hummus and I'm going, so if you're local and thinking about attending, you can RSVP here.]

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  • http://doniree.com/ doniree

    Satyam bruyat?

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.blogspot.com Grace Boyle

    Doni, yes! ….priyam bruyat…

    speak the sweet truth :)

  • http://modite.com/ Rebecca

    Okay, well, you didn't really tell us any truths or lies, but more generalizations… so you can't expect us to divulge everything ;)

    This is interesting, because I think lately, I haven't been lying a lot. And I think that's because I got rid of a lot of the drama in my life. And also, in parallel, I've been setting expectations realistically. Not perfect, of course, but those have both helped.

    Also, since I just had dinner with my best friend last night, I can't tell you how much I value the refreshing honesty that you talk about. I just wrote her an email this morning telling her how much she grounds me (like family does), which I've, of course, told her so many times before. And in that way, just being yourself with someone is the most comfortable kind of non-lying available.

  • http://www.smallhandsbigideas.blogspot.com Grace Boyle

    @Rebecca Haha, touche! It's really just a gameshow they host called that and instead of saying two truths and one lie about myself, I just wrote about lying instead (open ended)…

    I like your last point about talking with your best friend. Those relationships are so important in life. I know what you mean because although my friends are honest with me and visa versa, I never have to try. It just is.