Lies.

Everyone knows how painful it is to be lied to by someone you care about. But you know what's worse? When you realize you're lying to yourself.

We've all done it (some more than others) and sure, a lot of the time it's motivation, reassurance, positivity... but what about the times when it's just to save yourself from dealing with the harsh truth? It's a defense mechanism and it's only natural, but wouldn't it be healthier to deal with reality from the start?

When my grandmother went into the hospital in July of this past year, I remember telling myself "She's not going anywhere", and then feeling completely unprepared when I got a phone call saying differently. Would I have been better off taking a more realistic approach? Certainly I can't think that it would have hurt any less to lose her, but would I have been less shocked?

People do it all the time in the dating world... "He'll call", "She's probably just busy with work this week", etc. It's one thing if you truly believe this... but if you're just telling yourself this in order to get to sleep at night, that's another story. The writers of Sex & the City helped both women and men of all ages all over the world with six simple words regarding this topic: "He's just not that into you". It's a slap in the face to someone who is excited about the idea of a prospective mate, but it's a necessary one. Don't lie to yourself and get your hopes up, be honest with yourself and look at it from a realistic point of view. Rip off the bandaid!!!!

I've always thought of myself as someone who sees the world with rose colored glasses on - sees the possibility in life. But as I get older, this optimism is beginning to fade. Not in favor of cynisism or bitterness, God no. Just for realness.

Bottom line folks, there are enough villians out there to screw up the good things you've got going on. Don't add yourself to that list by telling yourself what you want to hear. Be prepared for every outcome, and accept that there are things in life that just plain won't go the way you want them to. But there are a lot of things that do. Celebrate those with everything you've got.

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