What it requires is what I'm really searching for: self-acceptance.
I can bring that t-shirt to show you :-) I think getting to self-acceptance is what finally helped me be honest and open. I stopped feeling like I had to put on an act and could just be me, and that includes being open and honest. I used to be a world-class liar, by direct lie and ommission, and never really opened up. That has changed so much in the last 10 years or so (and yes, it took a long time for me to feel secure enough to be able to do it).
I've been reading your last couple of posts with great interest. I had a few friends who totally destroyed my faith in them by constantly lying to me. This was back around the high school years (back in the stone age ;-) At first, I figured it was something I did wrong, that I wasn't worth the truth. Now, those relationships are why I will not tolerate anyone lying to me our about me. BTDT, don't ever want that t-shirt again. I will end friendships at the drop of a hat if someone is being less than truthful with me (and I know everyone has their own perspective on truth, I mean more intentionally lying or omitting). And why the worst thing anyone can accuse me of is lying.
Getting to self acceptance is a long hard road. Sounds like you're progressing in the journey :-)
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I can bring that t-shirt to show you :-) I think getting to self-acceptance is what finally helped me be honest and open. I stopped feeling like I had to put on an act and could just be me, and that includes being open and honest. I used to be a world-class liar, by direct lie and ommission, and never really opened up. That has changed so much in the last 10 years or so (and yes, it took a long time for me to feel secure enough to be able to do it).
I've been reading your last couple of posts with great interest. I had a few friends who totally destroyed my faith in them by constantly lying to me. This was back around the high school years (back in the stone age ;-) At first, I figured it was something I did wrong, that I wasn't worth the truth. Now, those relationships are why I will not tolerate anyone lying to me our about me. BTDT, don't ever want that t-shirt again. I will end friendships at the drop of a hat if someone is being less than truthful with me (and I know everyone has their own perspective on truth, I mean more intentionally lying or omitting). And why the worst thing anyone can accuse me of is lying.
Getting to self acceptance is a long hard road. Sounds like you're progressing in the journey :-)