When it comes to telling the truth, I think most of us realize that honesty is always the best policy. There are going to be times when the truth hurts, but it is much easier to simply tell the truth than to weave some lies and then try to stick with them for the long term. Every once in a while, however, we need to thread that fine line between being honest and doing the right thing or hurting somebody’s feelings. Sometimes, it is just best to withhold information rather than coming out with it, regardless of whether it is honest or not. I think that the man in the following joke never learned that lesson, but he is likely learning it now.
A woman’s husband had been slipping in and out of a coma for several months, yet she had stayed by his bedside every single day.
One day, when he came to, he motioned for her to come nearer.
As she sat by him, he whispered, eyes full of tears;
“You know what? You have been with me all through the bad times.
When I got fired, you were there to support me
When my business failed, you were there.
When I got shot, you were by my side.
When we lost the house, you stayed right here.
When my health started failing, you were still by my side
You know what?”
“What dear?” she asked gently, smiling as her heart began to fill with warmth.
“I think you’re bad luck.”