Truth and Lies: Honesty in the Age of Filters and Positive Lies

A thought for all those who have had enough of pretense and long for authenticity! Because sometimes it's better to hear the truth than a pretty lie - even if it hurts sometimes.

I envy people who can keep their mouths shut! When I decide to keep quiet, headlines appear on my face. 😂 I'm just not cut out for some kind of white lie. And you know what? I'm actually glad for that. We women over forty already know that life is too short to spend it in a world of pretense and half-truths. Or don't we?

Remember that situation? Your friend asks, "Does this suit me?" And you're faced with a dilemma:

Option A: “You look divine!” (while you see in your mind that she really does resemble a morning glory in that model)

Option B: "Honey, this really isn't it. Come on, try something else that will highlight your strengths."

Yes, she might be offended. She might be angry for a while. But in the end, she'll change and come out confident and beautiful. I won't let my friend go somewhere looking like a morning glory when I know she can shine!

As I've discovered over time, there are so many types of lies that it's mind-boggling. For example, such marital lies:

• A complete lie: "No, I don't care about the neighbor at all." (When in reality...)
• Half-truth: “I like him.” (Well, maybe more than just like him…)
• Evasive answer: "Leave me alone!" (Classic evasive maneuver)
• Fog: "It doesn't matter if I'm attracted to him, you're my man." (Translated: You didn't ask the right question!)
• Exaggeration: “We do it together every free moment.” (Said with such exaggeration that it must be ironic… or not?)

At an age when we have already had so much life experience, why do we still prefer a pleasant lie to the liberating truth?

Few have the courage to be honest, because the truth often hurts – but it is this honesty that is proof of true care and relationship. When I tell someone that they look bad in something, I don't do it to hurt, but to make that person look better and feel more confident.

As an Aries woman, I sometimes feel infallible and perfect – and yet deep down I know I'm not! But sometimes, of course, I slip into not admitting my mistake. It's an endless struggle with something that is simply a given!

Self-reflection is a huge power, and even though we Aries tend to feel like we're "bosses of the world," it's great to be able to admit that we're not always right sometimes.

When we prioritize truth and fairness, we may have fewer friends, but the ones we do have are worth it! Those who know and respect you will appreciate your straightforwardness and know that you mean well.

Do you know what happens when you tell people the truth? They will love you for it!

Wait, I overdid it...

They'll probably hate you. Because honestly, who wants to hear the truth about their new pants not actually looking like the ad? 🤦‍♀️

1. Tell the truth → Prepare for an offended face (bonus: you'll get a "This one's so rough!" sticker)
2. Do what you want. → Listen to everything you're doing wrong (bonus: "She always has to get her way!")
3. Jump while others whistle → Congratulations! You are officially a puppet! (no bonus, puppets have no rights)

It takes a lot of courage to be yourself in a time when it's easier to be an Instagram copy of someone else. It's like going to a fashion show in your pajamas - comfortable, but everyone will look at you strangely.

But if you let yourself be carried away by the flow of other people's expectations, one day you'll wake up and find yourself living a life that someone else has designed for you. And let's face it, that's pretty annoying!

What to choose: the short-term comfort of flattery, or the long-term benefits of honesty?

Flattery, also known as ingratiation, is excessive praise intended to curry favor with another person. It often involves partial lies, exaggerations, and exaggerated claims. But we are at an age where we can tell when someone is just flattering us.

The truth may sometimes hurt, but in the end it brings growth, closeness, and authentic relationships – and isn't that exactly what we crave most at our age?

1. Realize – their opinions are THEIR problem (not yours!)
2. Understand – criticism often stems from envy or fear
3. Smile – nothing annoys critics more than your well-being
4. Go ahead. – life is too short to play to someone else's tune

When you're sitting in your garden (or wherever you'll be sitting) in twenty or thirty years, what will you want to say to yourself? "Great, I lived exactly as Aunt Marta imagined?" Or rather: "Damn, that was a ride, I lived it my way!"

Don't let yourself be broken. Even if it hurts sometimes, even if it's not easy, it's worth it. Because at the end of the day, it's you who goes to bed knowing that YOU are the one who controls your own story.

And that, between us girls, is priceless! 💃

PS: If you tell someone the truth and they like you for it – stick with them! People like that are like saffron.

What about you, ladies? Are you more of a white lie fan, or do you prefer honesty at all costs? Share your experiences in the comments!

Read another interesting topic about distorted thinking inside social bubbles!

Confirmation bias: How is it in your own mind?