Tina Fey
Honesty can be a rare trait in today’s world.
But there’s so much value to be had from being an honest person.
According to research, honest people can, in fact, live happier lives, feel better about their relationships, and experience social interactions more positively.
Keep reading to learn the top 7 phrases honest people say often to see if you’re an honest person deep down!
1) “How much do I owe you?”
Some people don’t like asking for money.
This is true no matter what the person’s relation is to you, whether it be a friend, family member, work colleague, or acquaintance.
Should someone drive you somewhere, buy your drink at the work event, or pick up the bill on your behalf, it’s all too easy to just sit back and let them pay for you.
It’s even easier to get away with it if they say, “We’ll sort out the money later” but end up forgetting about it.
But if it’s a habit for you to check in with your friends, family, or whoever else after an event to ask how much you owe them, this shows a lot of integrity.
By asking the question first, rather than waiting for them to ask you, you’re not trying to sneakily get away with it.
2) “You’ve given me the wrong [insert item here]”
Whether it’s the wrong change, someone else’s milkshake, or an item of clothing that’s more expensive than yours, being truthful about it takes a lot of integrity.
Sure, it’s easy to just accept the free food or the extra coins the cashier has given you.
But will it get the worker in trouble with their boss later? Will it come out of their paycheck if they gave you the wrong change?
Honesty in these situations goes a long way.
And while you have no obligation to let the person know, if you do tell them, you’re a very honest person!
3) “That wasn’t me”
It’s all too easy to take credit for other people’s successes sometimes, especially if you’re in a group setting.
I think we’ve all been there before when someone has turned to us and said, “Oh remember when you did [this amazing thing]?”.
Or when our boss says, “Well done on getting [this thing] done!”.
Even though it was not, in fact, us that did that thing at all.
Being able to politely say, “That wasn’t me” takes a lot of honesty and integrity.
Especially when we want to get ahead in our career or into someone’s good books.
But lying about it likely won’t serve us well in the future, especially when they figure out you took the credit for something you didn’t do.
So, if you fess up when something wasn’t you, well done and I’m sure your honesty will serve you well one day!
4) “Thanks, but it’s not really my thing”
Haven’t we all made excuses about why we won’t attend certain events?
Giving excuses like being unwell, having other plans, or needing to work is all well and good.
Until the person invites you to the same thing again and again and again.
I had a friend once who kept inviting me to an ice hockey game.
Ice hockey isn’t really my thing, but instead of just telling her that, I made an excuse every time she invited me.
Eventually, I told her it wasn’t really my thing, but thanks for the invite. She was much more appreciative of the truth, and I felt so much better for it!
If you decline invitations to events by straight-up telling people it’s not an event for you, you’re a very honest person.
5) “No”
Put simply, it’s significantly easier for us humans to say yes than it is to say no.
Many studies have shown that saying yes is “more of a social norm” than saying no.
This leads many of us to do things we don’t really want to do.
Whether that be lending our phone to someone, paying for someone’s half of the bill, attending an event, accepting a drink, or even going ahead with a sexual encounter.
For many of us, it’s instinctive to just say “yes” to things.
This is especially true if the request comes from an authoritative figure, like a teacher, boss, or police officer (research shows).
But taking time to think about the request, assess whether it’s something you should/want to do, and saying no takes a lot of strength and courage.
6) “That’s my [insert item here]”
Did the new person at work take your seat? Or is someone about to drink your drink at the dinner table?
Most of us notice immediately if someone has taken something of ours.
But many of us simply let these things go to keep the peace and avoid confrontation.
Even if bothers us and/or causes us some inconvenience (like having to sit somewhere else or get ourselves another drink).
But if it’s common for you to tell someone immediately if they steal your drink, or that’s your seat in the office, you’re a very honest person.
You’ve probably also got very strong boundaries and inner confidence.
7) “I was wrong”
At some point in our lives, we will be wrong about something.
Whether that’s about an idea, a memory of an event, or even a quiz answer.
Admitting you’re in the wrong in an argument, conversation, business meeting, or anywhere is a tough thing for many of us to do.
According to studies, being right makes us feel powerful, and being wrong feels uncomfortable and unpleasant.
Avoiding admitting we’re wrong is what psychologists call cognitive dissonance.
It describes the inner stress we feel when we’re wrong and the innate desire to search for evidence to prove what we already believe.
Getting over cognitive dissonance and admitting we’re wrong takes a lot of work and practice.
But with a high reward.
It can lead to enhanced self-improvement and better relationships, according to research.
Final thoughts
Throughout this article, we’ve dived into the incredible importance of being honest in our lives. From our friendships to personal growth and society at large, it plays a vital role in shaping who we are.
You see, honesty is the glue that holds relationships together. When we’re honest with others, we build trust and create genuine connections.
In a world full of lies and deception, being honest is like having a superpower that allows us to be our authentic selves and encourages others to do the same.
It’s not always easy, but the rewards are worth it—stronger bonds, deeper understanding, and a tribe of people who appreciate us for who we truly are.
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