I remember taking a philosophy class in graduate school about 'truth,' and some heavy discussions about when it might be acceptable to not be truthful. You're spot on about the interaction between spouses absolutely needing to include the occasional misdirection.
"Honey, does this make me look fat?"
First of all, that's not a fair question. Under no circumstances is it ever acceptable to ask your spouse a question where there is no correct answer. No.
(If anyone can tell me the correct answer, I'll reward with a cookie)
But have I always been my best version?
You know, I think it's important to try to continue to improve daily. Everyone will have off days. Everyone will have a day where they say "Fuck it, I don't care." That's not necessarily a failure. The failure occurs when the person does not realise that the "fuck it" day was a day when they had to do something better.
I miss your shit. I need to be around more.
The honey do I look fat in this question is one to avoid at all costs. It's a trap! 🙂
I think the truth/untruth/semi-truth/trust conversation is an interesting one to have, hence my bringing it up. Better in person though.
I'd like to see some truth in advertising actually, you know:
This car won't make you handsome or beautiful, but it'll get you from one fucken place to the other.
Or...
This cosmetic cream won't make you look better, but you'll feel better pretending that it will, and you buying it helps our company become economically viable.
How good would that be?
On the improvement thing...I don't ever look for perfection in anything I do, just continual improvement. If I find that I'm content, if I find it not, then I work harder. Seems a good plan.
It's always good to have you around, so feel free to drop by. (And that's the truth).