Honesty ... .Always the Best Policy?

Well, I have come to the conclusion that NO, honestly, honesty is not always the best policy. Reflecting on past relationships, as well as conversations in general, I have come to realize that although your conscience may be clear, there are always repricussions. I am not a firm believer in the "everything happens for a reason" crowd, because it seems so absurd. Yet, the more I think "what if" I could have spared myself much agony in the present. Supposing I hadn't been honest about my first time...flying, that is. Well, it actually *didn't* happen because I admitted I hadn't had the opportunity to do such in the past. Therefore, I was denied the attempt to prove to myself that I had the ability to hop aboard a plane solo, squelch down panic attacks, smartly make it to the crossover flight and reach my destination intact. Would I have done it? Yes, because it was a way to prove to myself that I could. But, I think that someone else doubted my abilities because that was not how the story line was to follow.
Another classic example...telling someone exactly what you think of them. Or their attire, haircut, career choice, ect. That can completely backfire. Of course it leaves me wondering why people simply don't ask to be placated, to be reassured that they have chosen wisely because they themselves have doubt. I say, you probably shouldn't inquire as to my opinion on certain matters you are not comfortable hearing the honest truth about. Because the way I view it, people certainly don't spare me the niceties, and I am not about to do likewise. Just because I have come to realize that when someone puts the truth right in your face, you have to look at it. Study it. Accept or deny it. It's not always pretty, but that is the chance you take when you ask someone to be truthful. Or when you decide that you are going to be up front and honest, the results aren't always fluffy bunny moments of happy.

So, the best policy? Don't ask, don't tell.