Cost of Comfort

Honesty shouldn't read like a suicide note.

How tragic that we can only say how we truly feel when we'll be free from the responsibility of bearing the burden of our words.

We can speak our minds, without censorship, only when we blow our brains out soon after. It doesn't matter when our matter's on the floor.

We can say what we think only when we can exit out the back door. We let loose our thoughts only when there's nothing to lose. We produce our truth only when we don't pay the price.

Honesty is a virtue, until it's expressed in excess. Until your honesty is unasked for critique or an unearned opinion. You're no expert, you're no saint, you're not special, do not speak as if your words are. They're an extension of you, of your imperfection. They're an imprecise tool, full of contradiction and useless abstraction only made necessary by our own limitations.

Use discretion when you part your lips.

Use care when you position your tongue.

Do not waste breath to sing what should be silent.

Do not waste our time to hear what should be quiet.

But we're no experts. We're no saints. We're not special. Why do we speak as if our words are? And why do you listen?

Honesty shouldn't read like a suicide note.

How tragic that we can only say how we truly feel when we'll be free from the responsibility of bearing the burden of our words.

Socialisation kills self-expression. Socialisation breeds lies. Socialisation makes necessary stories and subtleties, to not harm egos or produce negativity. This is people acting emotionally not rationally. We hate dishonesty but if we're being honest we're each to blame. We made the rules of this game.

Honesty in excess brings hurt, honesty in excess removes our veils, but who decides what amounts to excess?

Accept this. Perhaps we can move past our current limitations. Because, while honesty can hurt, the lies that defining honesty in 'excess' breeds brings a lot more suffering.

Honesty shouldn't read like a suicide note.

How tragic that we can only say how we truly feel when we'll be free from the responsibility of bearing the burden of our words.

12/11/22