Are there any expressions that make you cringe ?
I am on high alert when I hear someone say: ‘I’ll be honest with you…’
This tells me that the speaker may not be honest all the time, but that he/she is claiming to be honest with me.
It is an uneccessary expression. We should always be honest (it is the best policy). Therefore, it becomes redundant to ever use the phrase ‘I’ll be honest with you’, or, similarly, ‘honestly’.
If we develop the unfortunate habit of being less than honest, we quickly lose our integrity, and people begin to trust us less. Trust, in relationships, is always difficult to regain.
Let us ask the Lord to help us become people of truth and dependability.
And, let us be alert to those who say: ‘I’ll be honest with you’.
Pictured are neighbourhood ducks.

I share your distaste for the statement, “I’ll be honest with you.” I often ask people who say this to substitute the word, “frankly” for what they just said. I think (hope) that’s what they really mean.
Hello Duckies!🦆
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Hi David !
Yes, I agree. This is a better choice.
The ducks are Northern Pintails. They are very friendly.🤗🌷
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Frankly lazy language just winds me up. How someone speaks says a lot about them. Even more horrible are phrases used to demean someone or something eg. “Crimbo” or even “OMG” both of which are offensive.
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Yes, for sure ! Our words say so much about us. ‘OMG’ is greatly offensive, and people may not realize why it offends.
Thanks for reading and commenting. 🌷🤗
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Yes, people have the habit of telling others what they want to hear in rich of offending people. But if you ask someone something, you should expect the truth.
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Yes, for sure. The Lord helps us to be honest. We need to be people of the truth. 🌷🤗
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I agree
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Thanks for reading and commenting, Barb. 🌷🤗
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At the same time, sometimes we learn these ways of speaking. I used to say honestly. A friend brought this point up to me. I didn’t even realize I said it. I don’t use it anymore.
Sometimes we judge others due to differing experiences when we should be loving each other regardless. ❤️
Thought provoking post, Sally. Thank you.
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Those words have exactly the same effect on me, even although I know it’s probably just sloppy use of language!
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Hi !
Nice to hear from you !
I agree with you, for sure.
Careless use of language can sometimes be misinterpreted. 🤗🌷
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I’ve written about this before. I titled it [The Bull**it Test]. Yes, when someone has to warn you they are preparing to be honest, they’re usually full of s**t. 😊
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Haha…I totally agree. 🌷🤗
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😎
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Interesting but true.
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Absolutely
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I had never thought much about this but you made a good point.
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I love your serene environment ma’am. 😊
And it’s true – honesty should be our watchword and lifestyle. Thanks for pointing this out. ❤
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Thanks for reading and commenting, Mercy. 🌷🤗
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You’re right, we should ALWAYS speak honestly – but honesty shouldn’t be an excuse to be rude. There is such a thing as tact. 😉 (Ephesians 4:15)
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I agree!
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When someone says those words to me, I usually brace myself. They’re about to say something I don’t want to hear.
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Yeah, I don’t like that phrase either. It also tends to signify they’re about to say something unkind or insulting. It’s right up there with, “No offense, but…” which basically means, “I know I’m about to say something incredibly offensive” and “I don’t mean to be mean, but…” Umm… yes, you do…
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Hi Jenny : Thanks so much for the comment. I wholeheartedly agree ! 🌷
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I say that I will be honest as usual. Is that ok?❤️
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This is a wise observation. I never thought of it that way. What do you think of the expression before a statement – “Truth be told…”?
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Hi Beverley !
This is another redundant phrase that could be eliminated.
As Christians, people know that we speak the truth.
We are people of truth , and others know that we are trustworthy.
Thanks for reading and commenting. 😁
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I agree with you. Blessings my sister.
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You are so right. I am not sure if 100% trust is ever regained?
Great post.
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Sally,
I must say that I have never given this much thought and have used these phrases in the past. I can easily see how it can be mis-interpreted. Not that I’m not an honest person but bad choice in use of words. Very good read,
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