It is my opinion that these two characteristics go hand in hand.  Each is also a cornerstone for a healthy relationship.  Honesty promotes trust and trust promotes honesty.  Often we will focus on others ability to be honest and trustworthy without paying attention to how well we accomplish the task.  It is as important for us to look inward as it is outward.  Being able to think about this individually as well as relationally is quite important.

Honesty implies truthfulness.  That means sharing facts and focusing on reality even when it is difficult.  Giving straight answers void of any level of deception is called for when being honest.  Honesty is not telling half-truths, “white lies” or sharing misleading information.  Neither is it “lying by omission”.

Practice being totally honest with yourself each day, all day.  Being able to do that for yourself teaches you how to do that for others.  What a wonderful way to honor your friends.  Truth, often shocking and frightening, is powerful.  The power comes in the slow progression of trust both of self and others.

Trust develops slowly and is a process of sharing with each other, determining our level of safety and proceeding gradually toward a more intimate level of relating.  There is a fine balance in this process; a taking of turns between two people – almost as though in a dance.

Truth and honesty are always worth the effort.  Frightening or not!  Give it a try as it will more than likely surprise you in ways unimaginable.

“Truth and Honesty is the oldest, most powerful of all of the human values.”~ Gary King