Honesty is the Best Policy

When you think about who you are, what comes to your mind? Do you think about your appearance, personality, actions you take in your life, or is it something else? Now, think about what came to your mind. Why do you think you thought of what you did (i.e., why did your personality come before everything else)? It's important to answer this because it will help you to become honest with yourself.

"Honest...with myself?!? Of course I am honest with myself. It's me for crying out loud!" Does that statement sound familiar? If so, you're not alone. I have muttered that statement more times than I care to admit. I live with myself each day. How could I not know who I am? As I learn about myself, I have come to learn that being honest with myself is one of the hardest things I've ever done.

For many years, I tried to impress the wrong people. I wanted to fit in with people who didn't like me for me. I used to drink with people at bars because I wanted to be seen as social and outgoing, hung out with people who were mean because I thought it equated to social capital, and altered my personality dramatically to appease certain guys I dated in the past. The truth is that I found it to be difficult to be honest with myself.

One day, I decided to cut the crap and start living an honest life. First, I stopped going to bars because I can't stand the bar scene; I don't even like alcohol. Second, I stopped hanging out with mean people because they were mentally draining. Lastly, I stopped trying to be what a guy wanted me to be and started being myself. I was very honest on dates. Guess what? A second date didn't happen 99.99% of the time, and that's okay. 

As I remained true to who I am, there have been people along the way who have tried to bring me down to their level. When this happens, I remind myself who I am. It's not always easy to be true to who you are, but it is well worth it. You will attract people who are like you, become comfortable in your own skin, and learn to love who you are. I have adopted the motto "honesty is the best policy" and have never been happier. If you adopt the same motto, I think you will find happiness, too.