To Tell The Truth
Dear Maribeth,
I’ve always been a very honest person, but lately I’m feeling like sometimes it’s not always a good thing. Oversharing keeps biting me in the ass. How can I know when it is important to express myself and when to keep my big trap shut? I appreciate that my friends can count on me for the truth, but sometimes they really don’t want to hear it. When I’m breaking up with someone, it’s probably better they don’t know the real reason because it would just insult them and make them feel bad. (I learned this when it happened to me!) How do I go about being sensitive to other’s feelings, and still be truthful? I’m having a hard time balancing this. Thank you for your help.
Forthright
Dear FR,
Nice question! The cards for your reading are The Lovers, the 2 of Swords and the King of Wands. The Lovers and the 2 of Swords show the extremes of the issue you are trying to balance and the King of Wands shows the best way to handle things. Allow me to explain.
The Lovers clearly shows two people openly expressing themselves without any reserve. It appears that there are some relationships that require and thrive on open communication. The key seems to be that truth is expected for both parties involved. Complete honesty can help to create an intimate relationship, especially when this becomes a shared and respected priority. It is not necessary or wise to be completely open with someone who is not providing the same kind of freedom of expression. Honesty and trust are integral parts of a healthy, loving relationship. In other words, you can be completely honest with people as long as you are comfortable with them being completely honest with you. Don’t dish it out if you can’t (or don’t want to) take it.
The 2 of Swords shows you “keeping your big trap shut”. For people who are naturally open and giving, this feels very awkward. Often, the facial expression gives away that you are trying not to say something. This provides more of a challenge when people can tell you have something to say and start asking you to share your thoughts! This way the figure in this card is so closed up reminds me of the saying, “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.” A good policy to abide by is: “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”
Finally, we have the King of Wands to show us the most constructive approach. I like the way he is seated in his throne facing the other cards as though he is waiting for people to approach him. He doesn’t need to offer his opinion, unless it is asked of him. This seems like a strategy that would work for you in your life. Wait for people to ask you for your honest opinion before you give it. You can warn them, and ask them if they are sure they want it, and if they agree, then you are free to share your thoughts. This will keep you in a respected and solid position and avoid you feeling responsible for hurting anyone’s feelings. I hope this works for you!
