Good question. I think “being honest” can feel tricky for a few reasons. First, some people genuinely aren’t sure what to be honest about. They might not have fully explored their own process or the contradictions in their thinking, so they’re unsure what truths they’re holding back.
Second, honesty can be vulnerable. Sharing your uncertainties or partial ideas means risking judgment—so people default to a polished, “confident” front. It’s safer to come across as if you have all the answers, even if it’s not the complete story.
Third, there’s the question of relevance: which details should you reveal, and which are just self-indulgent? People might be honest in a “raw” sense but still not know how to articulate it in a way that’s helpful or on-point. So even with the intention to be transparent, they can end up feeling inauthentic or disjointed.
In short, “being honest” often feels less like a simple decision and more like a skill: figuring out what’s really going on under the surface, how to convey it meaningfully, and how much vulnerability to bring into the conversation. That’s a lot of layers to navigate, which might be why so many people struggle with it.
hey Carolina, same here. i’ve definitely posted my share of “i have the ultimate answer” stuff (and sometimes i’m p sure i’m right 😂) but yeah, it’s probably more effective to drop that stance once in a while and just bring people into the process. kinda feels like the whole point—letting folks see how ideas form instead of pretending we’ve got it all figured out. ironically, it’s more trustworthy that way, right? anyway, glad you liked this post, and thanks for letting me know.
I feel like this article lends itself to being appropriated by those spiteful individuals who love asserting that "it's wrong to presume you have all the answers."
Why do you think people struggle with the honesty part so much?
Good question. I think “being honest” can feel tricky for a few reasons. First, some people genuinely aren’t sure what to be honest about. They might not have fully explored their own process or the contradictions in their thinking, so they’re unsure what truths they’re holding back.
Second, honesty can be vulnerable. Sharing your uncertainties or partial ideas means risking judgment—so people default to a polished, “confident” front. It’s safer to come across as if you have all the answers, even if it’s not the complete story.
Third, there’s the question of relevance: which details should you reveal, and which are just self-indulgent? People might be honest in a “raw” sense but still not know how to articulate it in a way that’s helpful or on-point. So even with the intention to be transparent, they can end up feeling inauthentic or disjointed.
In short, “being honest” often feels less like a simple decision and more like a skill: figuring out what’s really going on under the surface, how to convey it meaningfully, and how much vulnerability to bring into the conversation. That’s a lot of layers to navigate, which might be why so many people struggle with it.
Thanks, man.
Bringing people to the process no one has the ultimate truth...music to my ears 🫶
hey Carolina, same here. i’ve definitely posted my share of “i have the ultimate answer” stuff (and sometimes i’m p sure i’m right 😂) but yeah, it’s probably more effective to drop that stance once in a while and just bring people into the process. kinda feels like the whole point—letting folks see how ideas form instead of pretending we’ve got it all figured out. ironically, it’s more trustworthy that way, right? anyway, glad you liked this post, and thanks for letting me know.
Wait, seriously? Do you really want that?
I just want something different, bruh. Experiments ‘n all.
I'm so triggered.
Nice. What about?
I feel like this article lends itself to being appropriated by those spiteful individuals who love asserting that "it's wrong to presume you have all the answers."
Perhaps. Hopefully maybe.