Overheard a couple arguing about 'being real' at the coffee shop yesterday

I was waiting for my order at The Daily Grind and two people at the next table were having a loud talk. One said, 'I just want you to be honest, even if it hurts,' and the other snapped back, 'You can't handle my honesty, you just want me to agree with you.' It made me stop and think about how often we ask for the truth but really just want support. Has anyone else had a moment where someone's 'brutal honesty' was really just them being mean?

3 comments

3 Comments

paulw871mo ago

Sometimes real honesty is kind, not just true.

thomas2751mo ago

But where do you draw the line? Telling a friend their new haircut looks bad is just mean, but telling them their partner is cheating is a hard truth they need. Is kindness about sparing feelings in the moment, or is it about telling the tough stuff that actually helps them later?

rileyellis21d ago

Did you try asking them what they wanted first? That helped me @thomas275, because then you know if they're looking for honesty or just need someone to listen.