Think about a specific kind of person in your life. A person you find it challenging to be honest with because of how they react. Someone you calculate how truthful you’ll be with so as not to upset them or invite their wrath. Someone you bite your tongue around because of the patterns of reactions you’ve seen from them.
See this person in your mind. Reflect on your interactions with them.
- What makes honesty challenging for you with this person?
- What do they specifically do that you find difficult or uncomfortable?
- What is it you see, hear, and feel from this person that gets in the way of you being more honest more often?
- Given this person’s behavior patterns, how would they need to change for you to become more comfortable and willing to be honest?
Now, think about how you receive honesty.
- Who is doing this exercise right now and thinking about you?
- How hard are you making it for people to be honest with you, especially on potentially touchy or uncomfortable topics?
- What truths are people not sharing because your reactions make being honest with you an awkward experience?
- How would you know if people aren’t being honest with you for these or any other reasons?
Everyone rejects honesty from a hypocrite. If you want other people to listen to honesty and handle it well, you must listen to honesty and handle it well. Strengthen your integrity in receiving honesty. Let it be a model that inspires and sets the tone for interactions in your life.
Event + Response = Outcome. Do the work.
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