Only Engage with Friends who Tell the Truth
Good friendships are wonderful, as when storms brew, you can talk and listen, and get help through tough times, being there for each other. But real friendship can only be based on truth (a little white lie is okay -‘no, of course you look good in that!)
But honesty in friendships is paramount. Because without it, it’s not a friendship. Period.
Betray a friend, and you’ll often find you have ruined yourself. Aesop
I’m not upset that you lied to me. I’m upset, that from now on I can’t believe you. Friedrich Nietzsche
Sometimes we only see how people really feel about us, when we stop being useful to them. Anon
When trust is broken, sorry means nothing. Anon
We have enough people in the world who tell lies. We can’t be doing with friends who lie too.
Red Flags of Dishonest Friends
Fake friends often show up around people-pleasers, which is why it’s important to set kind boundaries. Trust your intuition, and stay away from people who tell lies or gossip about other people, as they may well be doing the same to you, behind your back.
People who blame or are deceitful. Notice how they treat absent people. Or handle mistakes. Honest friends own errors, make amends and change.
Never lie to someone who trusts you. Never trust someone who lies to you. Anon
I care about you and what we’ve shared. But our friendship no longer reflects my values, or the ways I want to grow (from a guide on ending friendships)
Surround Yourself with Honest Friends
Choose a circle of friends that value truth, even if it means just having one or two. Or even have none, and wait until a true friend shows up. Be your own best friend! It takes quiet courage to set kind boundaries, but it’s a good idea.
Choose settings where honesty thrives. Hobby clubs, book groups, hiking meetups, or volunteer projects put you beside people who care about something real. Shared work builds trust.
If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything. Mark Twain
Some people arrive and make such a beautiful impact on your life, you can barely remember what life was like without them. Anna Taylor
