[Dilemma] Always telling the truth is the most important consideration in any relationship.

To discuss the statement, there are two aspects that need to take into considerations. The first one is whether honesty is the "most" important virtue for any relationship; and second, is telling the truth always preferable. In my opinion, the most important consideration of any relationship is subjective, and honesty is not always the best policy.

 

Every individual develop their value system and their relationship patterns based on past experiences. Some people who had good experiences with trusting people or knowing the truth might find honesty a very essential quality in any relationship. Yet others' experiences might lead them to believe that qualities such as patience, kindness, humorous, or wealth trump honesty. Hence, the proposition of honesty is most important would subject to individual differences.

 

On the other hand, one has to discuss whether telling the truth generates a better outcome. To me, honesty is only good when the outcome of telling the truth is good. The truth should bring out a win-win game, rather than leaving one party guilt-free and damaging the other. Consider a case where a soon-to-be husband got drunk at bachelor party and performed an inappropriate behavior, should the groom tell the bride? Suppose he told her and the bride run-off with a broken heart, is this outcome superior than if the man had said nothing because he firmly believes that he will keep his vows forever?

 

Another reason why I disagree with the statement is sometimes the event of which the truth should be told is not relate to us. Suppose one is settling a big business account with a client but accidently saw the client's wife is having an affair. Should the person tell his client for the sake of "honesty"? I would disagree because the wife's affair has nothing to do with the business deal. Furthermore, the client might not appreciate the truth and break the account. In this case, the truth would leave the salesperson no business contract and a broken marriage. Moreover, this truth is not even remotely related to the relationship between the salesman and the client.

 

In conclusion, I disagree that telling the truth is the most critical issue for any relationship. Rather, not only should one always consider the merits of each case prior to telling the truth, but also should be aware that some truths might not be related to us and hence it is not our position to tell them. All in all, honesty may not always be the best policy.