Conscience Do Cost

I had a situation develop over the last couple of weeks that was one of those times where you have to check in with your conscience and remember that nothing matters more than reputation and your word. I have worked to develop a relationship that has long-term implications for the last eight to nine months.  In a particular fit of over-excitement I made a few decisions that, although paved with good intentions and enlightened mutual interest, had the appearance of something else to the other party.  There was some pretty intense discussion and it appeared that a lot of work on both our parts was about to come to an abrupt end.  Given the value of the relationship, I had a choice to make.  I could withhold some pieces of information and preserve a shell of a better relationship, or be completely forthright and let the chips fall as they may.  I knew it could cost in a number of ways.

I chose to be completely honest.  There are those that would say you disclose what you need to, but I only work well with people I fully trust and that fully trust me.  I have been doing this long enough to know that I don’t want to be around someone I have to worry about.  Life is too short.

Anyway, to make a long story short, after a day or two of introspection, it seems as though things are back on the right foot.  I don’t know what will come of it, but I know I would not have been able to enjoy any future benefits if I had taken the shortcut that was available.  My Dad always said “A man only has two things that matter, his health and his word.”  When you go through a time where the easy road is right there in front of you, it’s good to remember that anyone can go down that road.  That voice that whispers to you about doing the right thing while the other voice screams to do anything but is the one you need to listen to.