Chapter 62: Masks

(440): why doesn't he love me? i have tried everything. i even sang to him after sex.
(1-440): you have got to be kidding?

the text exchange comes from from the absolutely hilarious textsfromlastnight.com where we get to share those wonderfully inappropriate texts we sometimes think it's appropriate to send. of course, our perceptions may be altered due to the effects of certain substances some of us like to consume, but regardless, something in us tells us that being completely honest at all times is a good thing.

maybe it isn't substances but something we've always been told, ever since we've been kids. "be open and honest." "don't lie." "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all." --wait, really? when the co-worker we don't know really well comes in on monday morning with a haircut that is undoubtedly a mullet and stands in front of our desk begging for our opinion, it is perfectly acceptable to say nothing? uh, i think not.

i can honestly say that there are situations where white lies are appropriate:
does this make me look fat?
no.

do you like my parents?
yes

is that girl hotter than me?
what girl?

in these cases, it's not about the deceit but about how you want someone else to feel for a second. what's so bad about cheering someone up about something superficial? now, this doesn't extend to the serious things in life, like not telling a partner that you've cheated because you want them to "feel good." but this is in reference to those quick moments when we have the power in our hands to make someone's day a little brighter. just take that opportunity. i'd rather have my co-worker believe that she does look ok despite the hours she probably spent over her hair in the mirror, agonizing over her new mullet. why would i add to the depth that her self-esteem has reached? rather, i'll tell her she looks amazing and watch her walk back to her desk relieved. and besides, hair will always grow back.