Veracity = V: Blogging from A to Z

Not only did Mom and I co-author Depression Cookies , but she's a frequent guest here. She's the reason I love writing and reading, and I credit her with so much of who I am.

But, I wanted to use V to talk about Dad. Both my parents are super-honest people, but Dad was the one who really drove the importance of veracity ("devotion to the truth") home. We are all human, and we all lie on occasion. Yet, I try with every fiber of my being to be honest and truthful with people.

However, that doesn't mean I am compelled to go spouting my truth to anyone who will listen. As Dad often said, "I try not to ever lie, but that doesn't mean I go blabbing the truth."

Plus, there's an important element to truth that we should all consider: my truth may not be yours. I may strongly believe in something, hold it as truth in my heart, but that does not mean someone else believes the same. Truth is in the mind of the beholder, and it's easy to manipulate or evade. Not to mention, if you lie to yourself long enough, doesn't it become your truth?

Growing up, my dad often said:

You have the audacity
to doubt my veracity
to insinuate
that I might prevaricate.

Few things insult me more than someone telling me I'm lying, particularly my children. I tell them they can always expect the truth from me. Then my daughter pointed out the "Santa lie" as proof that I don't. I really had to ponder that one.

So, now I'm even more honest with my children. I tell them I will always do what I think is in their best interest, and will always give them direct and honest answers to their questions. Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter bunny fall into the "don't go blabbing the truth" idea.

To further complicate veracity, I think little white lies that protect people's feelings are justified. ("No, you don't look fat in that dress.")

So after all this talk about being devoted to the truth, I sure seem to have come up with many exceptions to the rule.

What does veracity mean to you?