Quote Originally Posted by Satrana View Post
Even the honesty issue shows this discrepancy between idealism and reality. Science shows people on average lie 20-40 times a day. We all do it. Our lives would be a nightmare if we did not manage the truth to avoid unnecessary pain and conflict. But most are in denial to the extent of their lying because they justify their actions to themselves as inconsequential or the right thing to do. We all consider ourselves to be fundamentally truthful people. We cannot bring ourselves to admit to we are liars.
Really? 20-40 times a day?

Certainly there's the "Does my bum look big in this?" question to which the answer is always "No darling". But on the key issues in life, there may be compromise but lies? I have lived with a compulsive liar who did lie 20-40 times a day to everyone he met and not just about the small, inconsequential stuff. The relationship was unsustainable. Which may be the reason I can't abide lies now.

I do understand the difficulties for pre-internet individuals who thought they were the only ones and carried the shame. But, there were civil rights issues in the US which would've provoked discussion about difference, tolerance and acceptance.