Truth Lies or Consequences
Had one of those days where I actually got things done. Paid bills, returned the cat traps - I was attempting to help with the neutering program to reduce the incidence of feral cats- bought a plunger for the toilet (there was an embarrassing moment when I tested it on the floor at the store and couldn't get it off the floor. Well it would have been embarrassing if I let things like that bother me, I just burst out laughing).And now I am whiling away some time until I need to leave for the gym. I also broke down and made an appointment with a neurologist. Who knew that numb fingers would make doing up a button a major undertaking! And it takes me longer the remove the typos than it does to type the blog now!
On the way home i was thinking about the statement "I never tell the truth." or equally, "Everything I say is a lie.' I avoid telling lies basically because i am too lazy to keep track of them, I perfected the art of telling the truth so that no one will believe me. It is amazing what one can do with downcast eyes and hesitation. or just a bold statement with a grin.
Actually, I think it started because I told the truth as though I didn't care whether I was believed or not, and it evolved from there. I did tell one whopper once though.
I was hanging out at my favorite club waiting for some friends when this total stranger came bouncing over all smiling, hugged me and said "I thought you couldn't make it tonight!" I pierced him with an icy gaze, which would have been much more effective with cold blue eyes but I come with 'bedroom brown' installed, and said in my most crystalline British accent, 'I beg your pardon?'
He backed off, with just a hint of doubt creeping in and almost stammered. 'Last night, when I invited you to dinner you said you didn't expect to free tonight.' Without a thought or hesitation I smiled and said' Oh, you must have met my sister. We are identical twins.' My friends had arrived by then and were watching with interest and one of them chimed in "Liz is at Alexandras's tonight, she never comes here on Fridays'
So my twin sister Liz was born and lived happily for many years until I grew out of the worst of my wild wild ways. I still do not remember ever meeting that young man, he was obviously more my sister's type!
I have, over the years, learned diplomacy so my truth telling is less brutal than it once was and I can bring myself to leave some things unsaid, but I have not become more forgiving of lies told to me. Eventually I will recognise the lie and the relationship will suffer and eventually will end as I cannot love wholeheartedly where I cannot trust.
My non-existent twin taught me a great deal about the truth and lies because she only made an appearance when I did not care for or have any empathy for the players on the field at the time. Which tells my heart that those who lie to me do not care for me.
Liz could flutter her lashes and trail her fingers seductively down an arm, blowing as little kiss as she headed for the door all the while implying she would return in just a moment. Liz became the me I was not comfortable being and I had to embrace her and incorporate her deceptions and dishonesties into myself before I could become wholly myself.
So although I tell the truth most of the time I am no less a liar than any other human. The potential is always there. It helps with writing stories.
Comments (5)
Ah yes. We are either pathological liars, OR...we have incredably vivid imaginations. With a writers mind, anything is possible.
And when you look at it that way, it's not really a lie now is it?
I had a brother John.
He must have been wonderful, since my mother called for him on her deathbed.
The thing is, I'm an only child and John was never born. He was the miscarriage before I came along.
But when I feel insignificant, I remember that John could have been wonderful and I'm his replacement.
And I need to show him, wherever he is, that we are strong and can contribute something on this earth.
And in some strange way...we are family
I also really paused at the line:
..."my truth telling is less brutal than it once was and I can bring myself to leave some things unsaid, but I have not become more forgiving of lies told to me."
I think that probably is the case in my life, too.
Anyway what a wonderful read that was! Thank you for this entertaining and candid window into your life. You should have your own column in a paper somewhere. Or perhaps you do already.
Sadie