Friendship is wonderful. It’s when you can talk and listen to each other, and it helps you get through tough times. A little white lie (‘no of course you look good in that!’) is fine. But honesty in friendships is paramount. Because without it, it’s not a friendship. Period.
We have enough people in the world who tell lies. We can’t be doing with friends who lie too. Trust is like a bridge that you cross each day, and always feels safe. A true friendship based on trust builds emotional security, a place where you can share secrets, cry or even say no, with bonds staying intact.
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.
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