Truth or Dare

I remember playing truth or dare in Junior High School (that's what we called it (middle school) in NY). Did you ever play? It was pretty intense at times - right? I mean, here you are, leaving yourself open for anything - gulp. Will they ask me if I like him or will they ask me to be honest about something that may possibly hurt someone?

Things haven't changed much though - if you think about it. Don't you kind of avoid "confrontational" situations because they'll either make things way too uncomfortable for you, or even worst, it might hurt someone you consider to be a friend. Argh!!!

What do you do then? Don't we all want people to be honest with us, don't we want our friends to be truthful even to the point of feeling that discomfort? Hey, what if you walked around with a snot hanging from your noise all day and no one told you? Or worst, what if you had toilet paper hanging from the back of your pants and no one told you? You, along with me, would be completely embarrassed (and yes, the toilet paper thing happened to me), and I think it's safe to say you'd be a bit ticked off and say something like, "how could you"?

Dare I to ask, "How could WE"?:

• call a friend a friend without being truthful with them. And that also means taking the time to truly think through your thoughts and approach them with an attitude of love. They are your friends after all, and deserve not only your honesty, but your best effort.
• call a friend a friend and not want them to reach their potential. Speaking out of love, don't you think, will make them (and you) a better person? Absolutely! All healthy things grow, and a relationship that is dedicated to truth will flourish.

"Truth and tears clear the way to a deep and lasting friendship"

-Danielle N. Renfield