Be honest

Something that surprised me about Africa was that most everyone spoke English. I learned it was a way to unify all the the countries & tribes. If we are completely honest it probably has a bit more to do with colonization than it does with unity, but that's not my point. The children were excited to speak english with the Mzungu visiting their village. They would ask "How are you?" "I'm well, how are you?" and a chorus of flat monotone "fine(s)" would fill all the space between me and their beautiful faces. I started saying things like "terrific" and "absolutely fantastic", mainly to puzzled looks, when posed the same question. It just rubbed me the wrong way that I had traveled half way around the world to hear the conversation I have with people every day. The one with the hidden meaning, I don't really want to tell you how I am because I know you don't really care. Maybe they got it right, don't be rude and tell people what they want to hear. Learning the english language with a side of our philosophy as well.

I was struck with something I read about a guy I knew. It said "he is one of the nicest guys I know, no one kinder". Well from my experience he is a good guy, but he was also one of the biggest assholes I've ever had the pleasure of knowing, and I knew him well. So as my thoughts tend to do I looked at myself first. Was there something particular about me that brought out his brand of asshole like no one else has ever seen? Maybe. I am challenging yes, but I haven't typically brought that out in anyone else I've known. So what else? Oh yeah... he was super concerned with what other people thought about him. His modus operandus was to tell you what you wanted to hear. Well, of course someone who tells you what you want to hear is going to come across as nice and kind. That is as long as things remain on the surface and you never learn what he really thinks. You'll never feel the rage that comes like a tidal wave swallowing everything in it's path.

When did nice replace honest?
When did fine become our answer to everything?

For the sake of everything interesting and engaging avoid the bland and monotone. Dig deeper and be honest, you might be met with puzzled looks. Who cares? I guarantee your life will become infinitely more interesting. Life is short, don't waste your time on anything less.