When you say honest
or frank,
isn’t that just being mean
in disguise?
Isn’t it just
another promotion of self?
Too often,
if not being paired,
with a dash of compassion,
your candor
is just being rude.
Be fair,
be honest
first with yourself
Today Kim hosts dVerse Quadrille, and the word is honest, which I think is a word with many many layers.
June 16, 2025
Björn Rudbergs writings 
I’ve come across people like that, Björn, who dress up being rude as honesty. Well said!
Alas… it is so common
Exactly. Just because it’s true doesn’t mean it’s kind.
Nice one
much♡love
I like that your poem raises the question of what it means to be honest. Sometimes honesty is used as an excuse to be hurtful toward others. Considering I can’t fully know another person’s experience, I am working on honesty with myself.
I heard an Episcopal priest say once, “When someone says ‘I come in love,’ watch out. You’re about to get clobbered.”
I think you’re right. Balancing truth with fairness is an art.
Good poem.
It helps to let “tactful” enter the equation.
So true! Sometimes brutal honesty…it’s just brutal.
So true. Honesty shouldn’t be a licence to say anything. A balancing act indeed.
Totally agree.
We need to be honest with ourselves first.
“Charity begins at home” &
Honesty has to start with self & our home.
I think it can be coupled with kindness – but sometimes what is labelled honesty is just an excuse to be nasty, you’re right.
Couldn’t agree more! My thoughts exactly.
Truth and honesty does not need a cloak to make it more so!
… ‘to thine own self be true’. Forever and ever.
Words are funny things.
My ex (a very strong and confident person) had a saying ‘To take offence is to give offence.’ Sometimes I agree with this, other times not so much.
such a good point…
Wise words!
That gave me pause, I especially loved the last lines.