Anyway, I haven't visited your blog in quite a long time so, though you know some of what I think, I will offer my additional thoughts on the subject.

I don't think it's always possible to have everything out in the open. I mean, as much as I say that I dislike gray areas, to achieve this in a relationship really takes an incredible amount of emotional maturity and, I think, somewhat of a thick skin. Take, for example, someone asking your opinion on a matter, usually something where the truth may be unpleasant. They say “Come on, tell me the truth, I can handle it,” but in my experience, most people don't want to hear the truth. They want you to tell them what they want to hear. And I find that this is how most friendships are: A lot of people telling people what they want to hear and not enough of what they *need* to hear. Certainly, there is a *way* to say things. One doesn't tear a friends ego down because it's “what's good for them.” But I, for one, will tend to shy away from that person who seems more intent on flattering me at every turn in favor of someone who speaks more plainly.

Not that I don't like to hear good things about myself but… there should be a balance )