Why Honesty is So Important

Why Honesty is so Important

For whatever reason, when it comes to meeting new people or dating them, people like to over exaggerate or hide certain aspects about themselves. You might feel pressured to impress the other person so that they will take an interest in you, and that can lead you to say things that aren’t entirely true. There is a problem though with being dishonest even if it’s just a minor fib. More important than what you say during your interaction with other people is who you really are. Having a good and interesting character goes miles when it comes to building a good foundation for relationships.

Being honest means not telling people things about your self that aren’t 100% correct. This includes not telling little white lies or stretching the truth. It can be as simple as claiming an interest in something you really aren’t interested in or exaggerating the amount of money you make at your job.

There are three main reasons for why you shouldn’t be dishonest:

1. It can lead to a habit of lying
   It’s no surprise that when you lie you often have to lie more in order to cover for your other lies. The first few minutes you spend with someone new are going to be some of the most memorable. When you lie during those first few moments, the other person remembers what you say. In order to cover yourself from that experience you will either need to lie more, or come clean.
   Not to get too extreme, but lying can also lead you to have other bad habits simply because lying operates as a gateway to other bad behaviors.
   
2. It is actually unimpressive
   When people find out that you are lying they will not be impressed; in fact, their opinion of you will be lowered. It is also more in your favor, and is more interesting, to come across as independent (having your own opinion) from the viewpoints of those you speak to than to merely agree with everything that they say.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   It might seem as though having numerous commonalities with another person is in your favor when it comes to having a relationship with them. Although it might be true that you can build a bond with someone quicker by having several similarities, it isn’t in your favor to come across as uninteresting, or as merely being a follower (someone who simply agrees with everything and has no opinion on any matters).
3. It can cause you more problems
   Even if you manage to keep the lie going for a long period of time, it usually has several adverse effects later down the road. Take for instance if you lie about your debts or your salary: if you happen to marry someone who is under the impression that you are debt free and have a good job, it will come to them as a surprise when you beg them to pay off your debts with their money after marriage. This of course can put quite a few issues and conflicts into your relationship.
   You cannot see the future and although every lying situation is different, it almost always leads to a bad situation.
   

Nearly all people find honesty and as a more admirable trait than being agreeable. Integrity and honesty rank very high on most peoples’ lists of traits they desire in the opposite sex. By being honest whenever possible and upfront wherever appropriate, you can aid your chances of building an outstanding foundation in the kind of relationship that you wish you have. By being dishonest, how can you ever expect to build the kind of intimacy and trust necessary for a good relationship?