Why Is It "Brutal Honesty"?

I hate the phrase "brutal honesty". It implies that there is no gentle way to tell a painful truth. What's more, it suggests that speaking a painful truth is an act of violence. A brutal thing to do.

It means that if I am being truthful with you, I am doing something despicable.It makes me a violent person.

Why would I ever sign up for that?

What's more, if there is violence and brutality in telling the truth, there is also a victim. In this scenario, you could become the victim of brutal honesty. Just let that sink in for a moment. You might be a victim because someone told you the truth. What does that say about you?

I think we need to be more careful when we use the expression "being brutally honest". We also need to remind ourselves that there are ways to tell the truth with compassion. We can be honest and kind at the same time. We can be gentle and courageous.

Hearing the truth can be hard. But speaking it is not any easier. And both are worth doing.