<p>I’ve always told my offspring that telling me the truth is my #1 rule. Lying is NOT acceptable. At times, this has caused problems, but I honestly believe that, while it may sound corny, truth is the North Star of all relationships. You do something horrible and I can forgive you and move on. You lie to me…and I can forgive, but I can’t move on. I’ll never be able to trust you again. I’ll always have this nagging voice in the back of my head, “Can I believe him this time?”</p>
<p>This doesn’t mean that my offspring always volunteer the truth. Nor does it mean that I ask questions about things in certain areas. It does mean that if you choose to make life choices I don’t approve of, I’ll respect you a lot more if you tell me the truth WHEN ASKED than I shall if you lie to me.</p>
<p>And there are times in almost everyone’s life that (s)he tells the truth…and people won’t believe him/her. If you’ve always told the truth to those closest to you…you’ll be believed. If you’ve frequently lied…not so much.</p>
<p>Remember the old story about the boy who cried “Wolf?”</p>