We say we do. We’ll post about it. We demand it in comment sections. We swear we value honesty above all else. Cross our hearts. Swear on our children. Hope to die.
But no one really wants the truth. Not the whole version. Not the unfiltered, sharp-edged, daylight version that shows pores, cracks, and motives.
We want curated truth. Trimmed truth. Truth with good lighting and an effects filter.
The truth is supposed to keep us safe. It’s the thing we claim gives relationships weight. “Just be honest with me,” we say, as long as the honesty confirms what we already suspect—or better, what we hope. Positive affirmations between friends and lovers? Lovely. White-lie encouragements? Necessary. You look great. You’re amazing. Of course, I support you. That’s a lovely outfit. It suits you.
We adore the flavour of truth, lightly sprinkled across a plate of kindness. Enough to taste authenticity. Not enough to choke on it. Kindness wins every time. Accuracy is optional.
Because the truth, inconveniently, is singular. It doesn’t bend to feelings. It doesn’t check the room before speaking. It doesn’t soften itself to protect fragile egos. Anything else—however polished, however well-intentioned—is a version of a lie. Maybe a small one. Maybe a merciful one. But still a lie.
And then there’s silence. The sophisticated cousin of lying.
Purposeful omissions are where the real games begin. Say nothing. Let assumptions bloom. Watch someone build a story in the absence of detail. If it collapses later, well—technically—you never said otherwise.
The one left in the dark will eventually play the victim card. “You never told me.” The silent party will shrug. “You never asked.” Both will claim moral high ground. Both will feel wronged. Both will be partially correct.
The ugly part? Most of us don’t want brutal clarity. We want comfort with a thin layer of honesty varnished on top. Enough truth to feel secure. Not enough to force change.
Because once the whole truth lands, there’s no pretending you didn’t hear it.
And pretending is easier.
–Michael (Dark fiction. Author of SEETHINGS (the first book), free for a limited time)
SEETHINGS promises a gripping psychological thriller that blends murder, passion, and secrets of a sexless marriage. Forman’s vivid prose draws readers into a world where lightning illuminates the skies and hidden truths. As the storm clouds gather, Mitchell’s journey promises to unravel more than just the mystery of the murders.
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