The other day I drove out to Crocker Park to walk around Barnes & Noble. I haven't had the chance to do that in a while. I used to check out bookstores when I needed time to relax. I tend to read cosmo or Stratfor articles, but I was looking for an alternative reality to escape. I got a suggestion from a co-worker to look at Wally Lamb books. So I did and figured why not. I grabbed the book "I Know This Much Is True," bought myself a warm apple cider from the Starbucks cafe inside the store, sat down and started reading. After about an hour and a half I realized I was hungry and walked up to browse the pastries, biscottis, cakes, etc. I'm a cheapskate, though, so when they told me that they don't accept giftcards at this particular starbucks because it was run by Barnes & Noble, I wasn't too happy. Especially when I was paying $3.15 for a "grande" apple cider. As I looked at the price cards before glancing on their corresponding pie or donut, I cringed. I walked from the far end of the pastry fridge toward the cash register. Three baristas were standing close together waiting for me to make a decision. After a few moments, the male barista said, "try the macaroons in the glass jar...they're really good!" I let out a soft laugh and said, "I'm kind of a cheapskate, so paying $1.25 for something that small is not something I am willing to do." They didn't look surprised, just laughed. But a young, dark curly haired barista said in a monotonous tone, "Your honesty intrigues me."
After she said that, I went back to my seat and sat down. I wrote down the words she said so that I could remember them. I went back to reading my book. On the way home I thought about those words. "Your honesty intrigues me." Honesty shouldn't be intriguing, should it? A definition I found online says that "to intrigue" means to "arouse the curiousity or interest of by unusual, new, or otherwise fascinating or compelling qualities; appeal strongly to; captivate." Granted I was just giving my honest reason for not making a second purchase, but if anything the unnecessary explanation should be intriguing...not my honesty. But then, again, maybe the reality of it is...that the art of being honest is intriguing. Perhaps we're not used to it. We're certainly not used to it when it comes to political candidates right before an election or when our sister "borrows" the blouse we just bought yesterday. Honesty in those situations would be fascinating, compelling, and captivating. But everyday communication with strangers, friends, family, or lovers shouldn't be intriguing. It should be expected.
I have a very strong feeling that I was lied to a few days ago by someone I care about, I told him that if he says so, I will believe him. Not question it. Am I a fool? Should I have confronted him? Disputed his word? Or do I just expect honesty...so I choose to accept his word.
This isn't to say that I am perfect. I am also guilty of being dishonest. Not often, though. Guilt eats away at me. Honesty, for me, goes hand in hand with keeping your word. I took a spirituality class Spring semester of 2011, and I remember telling my professor that I wanted to take him up on his offer to sit down and discuss my final exam paper. I know this sound ridiculous, but I never ended up scheduling a time to sit down with him. That periodically would bother me. Recently, I got tired of it coming up in my thoughts so I emailed him and asked if he would still be willing to sit down with me and talk about the paper. Being the awesome guy he is, he agreed and I re-sent him my paper for a second review. However, I do realize that all promises or declarations aren't as easy to keep as a simple paper review. But does that mean you still can't be honest? Those who are invested in your word deserve an honest explanation if your word can no longer be kept...regardless of whether or not it will hurt you, them, or both. But this isn't about promises or declarations, it's about the element of honesty that comes with those promises and declarations. It's about everyday honesty. The honesty you show strangers, friends, family, and lovers. It shouldn't be intriguing. It should be expected.
**Disclaimer: Lack of honesty with respect to the best interest of the United States and national security is an exception to this particular post.**
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