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From: llf@houxz.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.singles
Subject: brutal honesty
Message-ID: <507@houxz.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 20-Sep-83 14:39:11 EDT
Article-I.D.: houxz.507
Posted: Tue Sep 20 14:39:11 1983
Date-Received: Wed, 21-Sep-83 04:27:32 EDT
Organization: Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ
Lines: 12

I don't think that total honesty is a real good policy.  Total honesty is
pretty brutal.  The example given by Glenn was a bit absurd, but to the point.
Even more important, to my mind, is consideration.  Sometimes it is better 
to tell a lie.  Especially if telling the truth will hurt someone (friend,
partner, whatever).  In a way, that's what "little white lies" are all about.
Of course, you'd have to balance this with your own conscience.  For me, I'd
rather I'd rather say  "I think that tie will be hard to match with your other
stuff" than "that's the ugliest tie I've ever seen".  

If you don't like the word diplomacy (I do), try considerate or polite for
a better fit.
                                            LyndaF