'Brad Blanton: Honestly Tell The Truth'
To lie or not to lie? We are often faced with this question when stuck in sticky situations. It seems as if lying is our second nature, and that is not a good thing. In the articles “Brad Blanton: Honestly Tell The Truth” by Barbara Ballinger and “Teens Do Their Share of Lying” by Loretta Ragsdell, the authors discuss lying and argue its’ justifiability. I agree with the concept that lying is never acceptable because it is morally wrong. First of all, lying hurts relationships. Brand Blanton says in his interview with Barbara Ballinger that you should “have the courage to be honest and have a relationship with others based on reality” (par. 5). Why be friends with someone you can’t be honest with? It’s important to base your relationships
off reality and not lies. Lying also shows a lack of responsibility and causes others to lose their trust in you. Even 18 year old Sabrina says “the worst thing I could do now is have her find out about the lies I told as a kid. She would never trust me again,” (Ragsdell 14). She knows that the lies she told are still haunting her and that her mother would be upset if she found out about them. Others may argue that lying is a moral duty. Bella DePaulo in “It’s the Truth” believes that “lying is essential in maintaining a happy relationship… you might stay quiet in the name of marital harmony” (18). But why should you be married to someone you can’t voice your opinions to? A strong relationship is based off trust, and that trust is being betrayed with lies. As Brad Blanton says, “ you should be able to get mad - veen holler - but after a while be able to laugh and let things pass. Get away from those people who begrudge you,” (15). If lying has made your life difficult, maybe it’s time to start telling the truth. Instead of worrying about the outcomes of your lies, you can actually spend that time living your life. Lying isn’t acceptable because truthfulness is a duty that everyone should prioritize. Just have an honest relationship! Take responsibility for your actions! Why complicate your life with lies when you can keep it simple with the truth?
off reality and not lies. Lying also shows a lack of responsibility and causes others to lose their trust in you. Even 18 year old Sabrina says “the worst thing I could do now is have her find out about the lies I told as a kid. She would never trust me again,” (Ragsdell 14). She knows that the lies she told are still haunting her and that her mother would be upset if she found out about them. Others may argue that lying is a moral duty. Bella DePaulo in “It’s the Truth” believes that “lying is essential in maintaining a happy relationship… you might stay quiet in the name of marital harmony” (18). But why should you be married to someone you can’t voice your opinions to? A strong relationship is based off trust, and that trust is being betrayed with lies. As Brad Blanton says, “ you should be able to get mad - veen holler - but after a while be able to laugh and let things pass. Get away from those people who begrudge you,” (15). If lying has made your life difficult, maybe it’s time to start telling the truth. Instead of worrying about the outcomes of your lies, you can actually spend that time living your life. Lying isn’t acceptable because truthfulness is a duty that everyone should prioritize. Just have an honest relationship! Take responsibility for your actions! Why complicate your life with lies when you can keep it simple with the truth?