March 13, 2012

Truth is in the Mind of the Beholder

Yesterday's BlogHer NaBloPoMo prompt intrigued me: Would you rather always know the truth or remain blissfully ignorant sometimes?

My thick skin can handle anything, so of course I would prefer to know everything. Please tell me every time I do something you don't like, every time I wear something that makes me unattractive, and every time I write something you think is awful. Oh, and a special request of my three daughters... please, oh please, tell me every single time you are upset because I made you clean your room, brush your teeth, or--God forbid--take a shower.

Life is only worth living if you know every detail about all subjects.

Alright, I'll let you all off the hook. I'm lying.

The problem with the truth... it's in the mind of the beholder. What is truth? I know way too many people who lie and have the ability to convince everyone around them, and even themselves, that it's the truth. That's not the kind of truth I need in my life.

I love my children more than my own life, but I hear way too many of their truths lately!

However, as much as I'd like to embrace the idea of blissful ignorance, it's only blissful if nobody gets hurt. As a mother, it's irresponsible for me to close my eyes and pretend not to see the truths that affect my children.

And here's some advice... if you don't prefer the truth, an honest raw opinion, please don't ask me. Don't put in the position to lie. We are all human, we lie from time to time. But I truly try not to, so please don't make me weigh lying with being kind or understanding. It makes me conflicted and, quite frankly, cranky. If you are questioning how you look in the dress, for example, you probably have your answer. 

One last thought... as a writer, I prefer truth. Being blissfully unaware doesn't do much for my ability to build characters people can relate to.

The tougher question: would you rather always know the truth or always be blissfully unaware?

Actually, that one's easier. If it's always... give me truth!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love honesty most of the time...just don't be too honest with me when it's 10 pm and I'm tired! :)

Anonymous said...

That's a tough question when you throw in the word "always". There are times when I would simply prefer not to know what's going on. But since you say "always", I guess I have to choose truth. :)

Eloise said...

The truth, and nothing but the truth. I think we landed on the same page with this one.

Carrie said...

When I'm blissfully unaware, I'd rather know the truth. When I know the truth, I'd rather be blissfully unaware. Can't win!

Tia Bach said...

I agree. There's a time and place for real honesty!

Linda, Always and Never, problematic words to be sure!

Eloise, I agree. Truth. My worry... truth is different depending on the individual.

Carrie, You nailed it. So true!