Everyone who holds a belief has thorough and perhaps valid reasoning to hold such a belief. Any opinion, fear, love, or other feeling someone has towards anything has some sort of reasoning behind it. To the person holding such an opinion or feeling, their perspective is correct and the truth. Simply feeling that one is right does not make one right or their perspective the correct perspective. However, there is most likely valid reasoning behind the held opinion, even if it is mis-informed or improper reasoning.

It would take full books to argue thoroughly for objective truth and even that would not convince the strongest of skeptics. We know that two individuals with contrary systems of belief cannot both be right. If one says “I am right, you’re wrong” and the other says “I am exclusively right, you’re not right”, then at least one of them must be wrong. However, just because someone’s convictions may be wrong, the mere action of standing up for your convictions isn’t wrong, on the contrary, it is one of the boldest and most respectable actions one can take. That said, simply saying that you are something does not make you that thing. I can no more easily say that I am an athlete and become an athlete than I can say that my table is a refrigerator.

We, mankind, are communicative creatures. We use language, spoken, written, and even nonverbal communication to share feelings, opinions, thoughts, and ideas. Communication isn’t exclusively up to the communicator, though. It also depends on the audience. We cannot always convey the message that we want to, there are often miscommunications and the person we’re trying to send a signal to doesn’t receive the message we wanted them to. This could manifest itself as sarcasm being taken seriously, a lighthearted joke sounding coming across as an insult, flirtation as fighting, or advice could seem condescending.

The best way to make sure that a point gets across is to be clear when conveying the message. Quite simply, say what you mean. Mean what you say. When you tell someone yes, let that mean yes. Say no if you mean no. If you don’t want to talk to someone, then let them know why. If you appreciate someone helping you, then let them know. There are countless examples for any of us not doing this right, but there are also plenty of examples where it wouldn’t be too hard to be honest instead. It’s easier to solve problems if you know that a problem exists. Then you must define what the problem is. In most cases, only then can it be solved.

If you have a problem you should be able to ask friends for help and not be afraid. Why shouldn’t you be afraid? Because we all have problems, we’re all fools at times in our life, no one is above that. Will your friends not even make an attempt to help you? Well are they then even your friends? That can be a very difficult situation to be in, but it’s certainly better to confront them and bring up the issues that you’re feeling so that you can solve them either by communicating with one another better and being able to help carry the weight you each feel, or by ending the unhealthy relationship. However, none of that can be done unless you take the step to be up front and show authenticity.

If you aren’t true to yourself, what are you living for? Being true to yourself doesn’t mean you must retain the same convictions your entire life. You can be true to yourself and still develop as a person. You can change, improve, learn, and be a completely different person from a year ago and then an entirely new person a year from now and still be true to yourself. You may not be the person you once were, and that could very well be due to adherence to the truth.

Even if you’re wrong, it’s better to be authentic. Then you can come from a place that’s honest enough to admit when you’re wrong and it will also be easier to learn, grow, and improve yourself. If, on the other hand, you’re right, then why wouldn’t you want to help others see the truth and improve their own lives? The truth is certainly bigger than your reputation and other people’s opinions of you.