Just keeping it real

Don't mistake "keeping it real" for "having no manners". While it would be nice to tell everyone what you are thinking all the time, I've seen people say they are being "authentic" when in reality, they are just being rude. Am I'm telling you to lie? I guess that's one way of looking at it-but remember that your mom said "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."

Example: You don't get along with someone at a party. Everything you say between each other leads to an argument or a fight. Sure, you could "keep it real" by pecking and nagging at each other-and it'll lead to an uncomfortable situation, thus ruining the social gathering for everyone involved. Mission accomplished. After all, you were just "keeping it real", right?

Another example: Your sweet little nephew wants to be an artist. His drawing lacks any real talent, but he's only forth grade and we've all got to start somewhere. When he asks you how his drawing looks, "keep it real" and absolutely crush him. Make him cry if you can. Afterwards tell his parents you were just trying to toughen him up for the real world.

Those are just two examples. You can also "keep it real" by telling your co-woker that the dress she is wearing makes her look fat. Or you can tell the guy losing his hair that he's getting old and looks terrible. There are a whole bunch of fun things you can do that show the world how truthful and "authentic" you are.

I'm not saying that you should never tell the truth-but I am saying that diplomacy and basic manners go a long way in life.