Discernment

[1windrivereagle (deleted)]

How do you know when someone is not being truthful?

[emme2009 (deleted)]

`Typically, instinct will tell you. If you are in a calm place within yourself, it comes to you naturally I think...

[n8tvman]

`Hi. May I add my two-cents? You don't know, if you don't KNOW right off the bat. It's a matter of personal philosophy; do I assume people are telling the truth, or do I assume people are not telling the truth? You can be hurt either way, but life's course is easier to navigate if you take a personal stand within yourself. I recommend going with people telling the truth; it may not be your 'truth', but it may be theirs and we gotta have some base from which to stand, don't we? Be optimistic about folks and amid the disappointment there will be some wonderful reinforcement of your personal philosophy. Smile at strangers and see what happens. It's so uplifting. Goofy and uplifting. :)

[emme2009 (deleted)]

`I agree with you, N8TVMAN ... I think one's approach to life should be positive and people should try to give others the benefit of the doubt.. but.. I think there might be a time though when people are bothered by a nagging feeling of dishonesty. I'll give you an example.. There is a relation within my family and so happens, her husband has been suspected of cheating on her for years. Her approach to life was very optimistic and she took him at his word many times when she had cause to believe otherwise. Then this happened to fall into my lap. A young woman unknown to me called my house asking if this guy was married.. (that guy is a cousin to my husband).. Anyway.. my dilemma -- do I tell her now that it was true (everyone told me I should be quiet) or not? This guy called me and begged me not to tell her. I told him I could not promise anything and deliberated over a week. Ultimately I decided to tell her. She was upset naturally but called the "mistress" and asker her lots of questions. She was mostly bothered by the fact that he had cheated during the week he knew I knew.. and never used any protection with this other woman.. So.. I generally try to be optimistic and positive about people, but I think sometimes we have to face a nagging feeling of dishonesty, because sometimes it's right.

[emme2009 (deleted)]

`Mind you that is an extreme example.. if it's just a lil doubt.. that just appeared out of nowhere, I would generally give people the benefit of the doubt and go on without batting an eyelash..hahaha.. but ongoing and long-term is another thing..