Honesty is something my mother instilled in me – as well as my brothers and sisters. If there was anything, she hated it was when lies got told to her. I don’t remember if mum ever told us why it was so important, but I do remember her insisting that we always tell the truth.

Little white lies were OK, though. The sort you tell to keep someone from knowing about a surprise birthday party or something that would bring them joy. Things that aren’t hurtful – and preferably temporary. Telling the truth doesn’t include information that must be shared, in order to have a trusting relationship, even though it may hurt.

When you are honest, open & transparent others, trust you. You have displayed that you are trustworthy. It doesn’t matter whether you are a person or a large organisation. When you focus on honesty with friends or clients, you attract like-minded friends and, or clients.

Your world, our world, is a better place when we are open with others, we accept them for who they are, and they take us for who we are. When people feel accepted, they are more open. See the cycle?

Strive to live by your word and if you need to be honest and say you are unable to help someone do something then let them know you either can’t because you have other plans, or you can’t help out for four hours but you can for 30 minutes. When someone calls you on the phone, be honest and let them know you can’t chat for long if that’s the case. Let them know you only have 2 minutes before you walk out the door, or 5 minutes or whatever it is.

Do NOT be honest when asked for your details via phone or email from someone who says they are phoning from your bank or another institution you use. Use your wisdom instead.

Positive characteristics are always encouraged, however use your wisdom to know what virtue to focus on in each situation.

When being honest, it is essential that you also strive to be tactful – this takes practice. Sometimes when you don’t know how to respond, it’s best not to respond if you feel that you don’t want to hurt the other person as you don’t know how to express yourself. Take the time to think about it if you need to. Ask for advice if you need to – the words will come when you strive to – be kind, be kind, be kind.