A few months ago I was at work and I did something incredibly stupid. A customer came through my line, (I work at a grocery store) and his order rang up a total of about $16. Well I thought he gave me $100 so you can only guess what I did next. Yep. I gave him back $84 in change! He actually tried to be honest with me and tell me that he gave me a $20, but I am the one who insisted that he gave me $100.
After he left, I thought about what had just happened and realized the customer was right. Wow. I bet he didn’t expect to go shopping and leave with more money than he came with. Nevertheless, I had to tell my manager on duty what had happened. I had to tell him the truth.
I want to offer a ‘food for thought’ for people to contemplate. This is a relevant issue that pertains to everyone. Whether you are being lied to, or maybe you are the one that cannot handle telling the truth, stick with me here.
Think about it. Everyday we are all faced with different decisions. We are also forced to face questions that we ourselves must answer. These questions could come from our professors, our friends, our employers, and even our parents. And to those that we love, can we answer those questions truthfully?
Lying can destroy any amount of trust that may be within any kind relationship. Trust, I believe, is key to having a successful relationship and if that is stripped away, then what is left?
No one likes to be lied to. Do you think you could trust someone after they lied to you? Trust is an element that is hard to build up, and so easy to tear down. In other words, it is fragile.
I find it harder to forgive someone close to me who has not been truthful, than a complete stranger. How would you feel if you found out that your boyfriend or girlfriend was cheating on you, and they lied to you about it? Or your so-called best friend has been spreading some false rumors about you behind your back? These situations are tougher to deal with because you thought you knew that person and now a feeling of betrayal exists where there used to be trust.
Making up excuses and lying gets you absolutely nowhere. It does not make whatever problems you are dealing with disappear. It just covers them up, layer upon layer, making things more complicated. Telling the truth may be hard at first, but it is more appreciated and better off in the long run. The more the truth is told, the easier it becomes to tell it.
Please do not take on the impression that I am pointing fingers or blaming anyone in particular. I know that I myself have lied and made up excuses before, but after going through certain situations and seeing some of my friends hurt, I have realized that telling the truth is better for me and those around me.
So here is the point. Lying is disrespectful and it hurts you and the people you are close to.
Do not think that the truth will never be found out because sooner or later it will. If you don’t want to do something please, don’t make up an excuse just to get out of the situation. Excuses can be rather annoying. Don’t worry about what others think. I guarantee you that the truth will be more appreciated than a lie or an excuse.

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