Nothing is either good nor bad, but thinking makes it so,
-- Shakespeare

The idea that we need to make each look good is a figment of our imaginations.

If we all agree to be honest, no matter what, then looking good takes a back seat to truth. And that's a good thing. People like the truth. Some say, "the people can't handle the truth," but the truth is that the one who said that is afraid of what will happen if people ever find our the truth. So, when we "make each other look good," we are probably hiding the truth, because as a rule, none of us really looks that good when you really get to know us.

One of the best definitions of friendship I have ever heard, is "A friend is someone who you know, and still like." Now, that's the truth. Most people you enjoy spending your time with are people just like you. If you're fat, you prefer the company of other fat people. If you are thin and perfect, you prefer the company of other thin and perfect people ("Perfect" is here used as a pejorative stereotype with the understanding that no one is perfect, but some just people act as if they are). If you are a fearful, weak politician, you prefer the company of that majority, and if you are a couch potato, well, shall we say that active people put you off?

So, making each other look good, creates the anti-dynamic pooling of like people. Which begins by becoming exclusionary almost immediately and ultimately becomes an emperor's clothes closet and a self-congratulatory, mutual admiration society of misinformation and mischief. So why do it? If people look bad, they probably deserve it. But, then they can learn from it. If people are really good, then role models emerge and others adopt them. That's good. But if there are lies and constant misleadings, then the role models that emerge may look good but definitely are not (hypocrisy creeps in), and when others adopt them they learn quickly that trust is out the window (cynicism takes over). Plus, those who want the truth can't get it, and those who are willing to take chances for progress never are allowed inside (discouragement).

Is there any of these things in your Town, you company, your life? Fight back with the most fearsome weapon known to man... honesty. And remember the good news, as you sally forth, "It takes one to know one- and vice-versa!" You may start out alone, but that will change.

See you next time.