Well being completely honest is a good thing, but too often people confuse honesty with bluntness.

For example, whilst it may be true that one of the directors of a clients company has a big nose, theirs absolutely no reason for me to tell him that. In fact even if someone asked me a completely honest answer may be that "its not something that I should talk about"

So yes, be absolutely honest, but theres no reason why you should have to be a rude or obnoxious jerk at the same time.

Here's how I look at it: either be completely honest or don't say anything at all about it. That's not always practical, but it's a good condition for which to strive, I think.

There's no need to say anything sometimes. I mean, it might be honest to tell someone they look like crap, but unless they specifically ask you what you think of their appearance, why tell them?

So yes, complete honest, tempered with kindness, and keep your mouth shut when it behooves you not to speak the truth.

It's a curse if you don't know when to be quiet, otherwise it's a gift.

"Absolute honesty" would imply that said person has not figured out the intricacies of creative truth telling. This does NOT mean "spin." You can say honest, truthful things, and you can work at how you say these things so they deliver a candid message without being self-serving or destructive.

Frequently, the "absolutely honest person" is also shooting from the hip and thoughtless. I really appreciate honesty. But it's an art form. Very hard to explain. But thought and insight before a pronouncement can make or break your recipient's reaction. You want them to listen to your honest words, not shut down because you are being brutally honest. Does that make sense?

I think we do confuse speaking what we are thinking with absolute honesty. If you are thinking something I doubt someone would ask if you think about all the possible topics that would make it uncomfortable to be completely honest.
If you are faced with an uncomfortable question, then I agree with Andy. Truthfully state I don't think I am qualified to talk about that.

And as Michelle and Omicron said you do not have to babble on when a topic is broached. Absolute honesty isn't an opportunity for absolute cruelty .

For me it's both. I always strive to be honest...but the truth has hurt me a lot as well. I eventually move past it but it's never a joy getting hurt. But I guess if I had to chose one, honesty IS the best policy, and unfortunately sometimes the truth hurts, but it will only make you stronger in the end.

"Trust your Instincts". Honesty maybe the best policy as people say but it totally depends upon who you tell it to, why you tell it, and how you tell it, or even if it is necessary to tell a person or not. Your instincts are important in dealing how you state your honesty, the results of your honesty gives you the idea if your honesty is a gift or a curse. Honesty is a gift when something good or positive comes out of it even the person you tell it to does not acknowlegde it or thank you for what you told him/her. Honesty is a curse if a person you told it to, hated you for saying it,sours a frienship, gives you a negative response worse even fights with you about your honest words.

Because honesty makes people feel better or makes people feel worse, that is why follow you instincts when relaying your honest thoughts and criticisms to people, people varies. In my opinion, if you want to be honest ,don't be rude there is a way around with choosing the right words, even though it has the same meaning, people tend to be offended by honest remarks especially if it view as an attact not as an honest criticism.

I have to point out too that there are people who are blunty honest and does not care whoever is hurt, people who do not bother to take the time to use their instincts before babbling out their opinion. Very tricky action sometimes being honest, you can be thanked for it or you can be hated.

Absolute honesty mixed with wisdom is one of the greatest gifts. You always speak the truth but also have an ability to withold some information.

Although, there is also honesty mixed with 'saying whatever comes to mind'. Now that is definitely a curse.
Honesty like that
- stops you from getting a new job, when you answer a question 'Why did you leave your previous job?'
- alienates your friends and family, as you just feel compelled to tell them what you think about them and their choices.
- probably will also assist you with getting a label of unsocial and unfriendly person with a cat for a best friend.

So yes, this coin too has two sides. And the key is: everything is good in moderation.

While I can't claim to possess absolute honesty, I know I'm more honest than most people, and it is somewhat of a curse. Friends and family have hinted that I should keep my mouth shut more often, and I find it hard to do.

Worse yet, the more I care about someone, the more honest I tend to be with them. When dealing with a very casual work acquaintance, for example, I can usually smile and say, "Yes, your new haircut is cute." With someone I love, not so much.

I have this inner voice telling me that I shouldn't patronize people I care about; they deserve my real opinion. Hearing the truth might prevent them from dating the creepy guy or using that horrible hair color again. Unfortunately, sometimes they don't want to hear it, and *gasp* maybe sometimes I'm wrong!

absolute honesty.. the word absolute does not fit in here..

Every1 can be honest to a great honest but absolutely NEVER!!!

50 years back the word absolute honesty existed anywhere in the world..

But now with the evolution in every fields, absolute no more fits..

If some hv it then its a gift which is unoque to that person..

He/she must believe that he has that inborn qualities which no1 has!!!