For years now, I have not only let my actions show people how much I hate lying, but I also tell them too. And part of the reason I do this is so that if there ever comes a day when I have to defend myself in front of these people, many of them will be willing to believe me even if I don't have a lot of evidence on my side.
photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm
And the reason that is important to us is that I've seen what lying does to people, especially when whoever is lying against you is very loud and there isn't enough evidence to clear your name, and it's just your words against his.
I've been in a similar situation like that in the past, and I remember thinking I was in a movie because how could someone lie so much and twist the entire story in such a way where they made me the bad guy. I remember looking at that guy and just letting the tears roll down my eyes, which probably made me look more guilty.
Not only that, but I tried to defend myself, but the dude's voice was the loudest, and he was more in control of his emotions, and to everyone else, that made him look like the honest guy and me the liar. That was probably the first time I experienced seriously lying and not caring about the next person.
It was a scary experience, one that I wouldn't wish for anyone. I remember at that moment that I was ready to go to any church, mosque, or even a shrine to swear just to prove my innocence. That was how much words had failed me, and I was in desperate need of help, even if it came from a higher power.
That situation is one I never want to see myself in ever again in my life. Which is one of the reasons why I've made it a priority to live an honest life, one everyone can see, so that if I find myself in such a situation, before I even defend myself, the people around me will do it for me.
This is why I don't steal or take what isn't mine. This is also why when I go to a shop to buy something and they miscalculate and give more money than they should, I return it to them immediately and explain their mistake to them. I do all of this because it's the right thing to do and also because I'm a very honest man...or at least I try to be one.
