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Offer your perspective on radical honesty versus gentle deception, where do you usually draw that line?

August 2
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Answer Summary

Members tackled the question of radical honesty versus gentle deception, with the strong majority favoring truth-telling, even when it stings.... Read more

Members tackled the question of radical honesty versus gentle deception, with the strong majority favoring truth-telling, even when it stings. Several members shared personal stories about disclosing their HIV status in relationships and public settings, with one member describing a powerful moment of publicly announcing their diagnosis that inspired others to open up too. A recurring theme was that how you deliver the truth matters, with many agreeing that tact and compassion make honesty kinder, but that lies ultimately cause more harm when discovered later.

A myHIVteam Member

Usually when I am interested in someone I try to work my way up to the truth ....

I mean mentioning that I have to take a daily pill isually gives folks a clue but if not then when I can get them to someplace where I do not have to shout and across my lips the words of " I am Poz and stayed with my late husband 32 years and he never sero-converted ( caught it ( if they question the term sero-convert )) .

Then once the initial shock wears off the ball is in their court if they stay or use some excuse to " get the hell away from me " ....

August 5
A myHIVteam Member

Honesty - period
I’d rather be hurt for 5 minutes than feel betrayed when I find out later the truth

You ask me a question be ready for the answer - cause you may not like it and that’s on you not me …

August 3
A myHIVteam Member

As for myself I would rather tell someone the truth but when telling the truth tact and diplomacy is always needed because it's not always what you say , but how you say it. But behind the truth also offer some encouragement as to not open up their insecurities. Especially when dealing with the heart .

August 8
A myHIVteam Member

Considering how sad and unpleasant the discrimination is after a positive test result, we must not lie or ignore our illness, even if we are left alone and isolated.

Considerando lo triste y desagradable por la discriminación ante el resultado positivo,no hay que mentir ni ignorar nuestra enfermedad.si bien quedamos solos y aislados

August 2
A myHIVteam Member

Personally, I consider myself brutally honest, I rarely lie to preserve someone's feelings, and I do contemplate how it may hurt someone's feelings but I rarely worry about it!

August 2

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Montebello, CA

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