Little white lies.

My son and husband were upset with one another this morning.  My son was running late and my husband told him that he could not style his hair.  My son did it anyway and told my husband that he didn't.  Well.  Hello.  You have gel in your hair dude it's pretty obvious.  So my husband got upset for having been lied to.

We got in the car and I asked my son why did you lie to your daddy?  He said I didn't.  I said you did.  He said no, I didn't style my hair I never touched the hair dryer or brush I just put gel in my hair.  See what he did there?  I said son, you knew what daddy meant therefore it was a lie, now, it was a half truth you did not technically style your hair but you were well aware of what daddy meant.  Right? Right.  So, now you have lost a little bit of your daddy's trust because you lied to him and he knew you were lying do you understand?  Yes, but!!!

Why is there always a but?  He had his reasons.  His reasons were extremely valid.  Had he explained his reasons to his father I am positive my husband would have let him accomplish his task and probably would have even helped him.

Why is it that our knee jerk instinct is to lie?  Cover up?  Mislead?  Why are we so prone to make ourselves look better, perfect, faultless?  I would much rather you tell me the truth to my face, even if it hurts, than to know you are lying to me.  My closest and dearest friends that have stayed that way for years have at one point or another either hurt me or shocked me by their honesty.

I don't need to hear what you think I want to hear.  I want to hear what I need to hear.  What is the problem?  The issue?  How can I fix it?  If I don't know there is a problem how on earth am I ever going to learn so I can fix it?  A true friend wants their friends to succeed.  A true friend will put your achievements on the same plane as their own.

I explained to my child why his father was upset and he understood.  I explained to my husband why my son did what he did, he understood.  Understanding breeds harmony.   Harmony is a good thing.  Go out there and be kind.  Realize that we are all flawed.  Give mercy...Give grace.