That Day I was Called a Liar

Who me?

Yes, me.

I learned a lot that day. 

I am defensive. I don't listen. I don't validate feelings.

Ouch.

And that's just what I said to myself.

Despite the fact that what I said was true, it doesn't take away from the sting of the words. The bite. The hurt.

There are many ways truth can be spoken. Many ways that it can be softened. Heartfelt. Kind.

My version of being direct, seemingly without concern.

Uhmmmm.

Not so helpful.

At all.

I see things one way. You might see them another.

My lens might be wide angle. Yours telephoto. Our filters will be vastly different. As will our focus.

Despite these differences we are pointing in the same general direction. 

Kindness doesn't stop the minute truth is spoken.

I don't believe I was lying that day. But I was not showing compassion.

Next time I'll remember the Arab quote, "When you shoot an arrow of truth, dip it's point in honey."

Truth can be hard.

But there's no reason I should be.