@ Tsel - A thought that struck me when reading your post is: Is the personality you display here not less a "lie" than the personality you show in your professional environment, where you "forbid" yourself the display of - emotion, sensitivity, warmth? Because being as you are (or want to be), is not "appropriate" or "professional"?

Leadership requires respect (to be earned!), not love, and a certain emotional distance makes that easier - for some.

***

Though shall speak the truth,
nothing but the truth,
and the whole truth.

This is what they make you swear when taking an oath before a court. The last part is the most difficult.

What would I do, when somebody lied to me?

- Feel hurt;
- Re-evaluate my trust;
- question the motives of the lie.

I have lied (= not said the whole truth) for protecting - thinking that the truth would hurt someone I cared for (my personal judgement, conceded);

I have veiled the truth for protecting - myself.

No excuses - both instances are nothing to be proud of - but I think the most common issues enticing people to stretch, or bend, the truth.

In general - a German saying says "lies have short legs", and there is truth in that. When lying, you must be very careful that what you say is not easily disproven. Worse, you have to remember your lies! That's how most are found out - the tellers of the lies are not consistent in their stories, and start contradicting themselves.

It so much easier to stay honestly within the truth. You gain respect and keep trust. Invaluable in the long run.

So much for my - honest - opinion on the subject.


In times of crisis it is of the utmost importance not to lose your head (Marie Antoinette)