Lies

I don’t read people’s expressions very well. This is why I insist that people be verbally honest with me. It drives me crazy when people tell me “little white lies.” For me, a “white lie” means that you think I can’t handle reality.

Tonight, I asked someone to do something (a simple thing, but a favor nonetheless). I could tell that this person didn’t want to do it, but rather than be honest, they attempted to placate me by telling me that they would do it, and then they didn’t. As a result, I’m FURIOUS.

What is so hard about saying, “No.” Simply, politely, “No.” I would try to convince the person that what I wanted wouldn’t draw blood or otherwise injure them. It would be a good conversation. I’d even accept the “No,” eventually, with good humor. Instead, I got shut down, treated like a toddler who might have a tantrum. Now I WANT to have a tantrum!

“Little white lies” are pernicious; they display a fundamental disrespect that I will never tolerate, ever again.