You have to be honest with yourself first and then have that attribute with others. It starts at home and within yourself. I never was the person to lie. When I did try, I got caught. I am not a good liar. Some people will stand in front of your face and lie or look you dead in your eyes and lie, too. That just shows they don’t care and have no conscience.

I was always taught to tell the truth because it will set you free. It will save you a lot of trouble in the long run. I try to be honest in everything that comes upon me. One day, I was in Walmart at Steelyard Commons and I found a wallet on the ground. Instead of keeping it, I told my mother and we gave it to the police to return it.

In my relationship with my man, I am honest and keep it real with him because I want him to do the same with me. That is the basis for our relationship: love, loyalty, respect and honesty. Without a foundation, we wouldn’t have anything.

It is so easy to do the wrong thing these days. People like to say they are different. But I say if you are so different, then be different and don’t lie. Do what’s harder. Don’t lie, just be real with yourself. Others may not know you are lying, but God does. How can you go to him in prayer and ask him for anything when you aren’t honest with yourself ?

Article written by Cierra Irby, a graduate of Jane Addams Business Careers Center and a student at Cuyahoga Community College.