Social Skill 14: Being Honest

Following Instructions Accepting Criticism Accepting “No” for an Answer Staying Calm Disagreeing with Others Asking for Help Asking Permission Getting Along with Others Apologizing Having a Conversation Giving Compliments Accepting Compliments Listening to Others Being Honest Showing Sensitivity to Others Introducing Yourself Q & A for Parents

When you have done something, whether it’s good or bad, you need to be honest and always tell the truth. Being honest lets other people know they can trust you. If they can believe what you say, you will be considered trustworthy. Sometimes, people will ask you questions about your involvement in a situation. To tell the truth you should:

1. Look at the person.
2. Say exactly what happened if you’re asked to provide information.
3. Answer any other questions. These can involve what you did or did not do, or what someone else did or did not do.
4. Don’t leave out important facts.
5. Admit to mistakes or errors if you made them.

Reasons for using the skill, Being Honest: It is important to be honest and tell the truth because people are more likely to give you a second chance if they have been able to trust you in the past. We all make mistakes, but lying will lead to more problems. If you get the reputation of being a liar, it will be hard for people to believe what you say. Plus, when you are honest, you can feel confident that you have done the right thing.

• Being honest can be difficult. Many times, it will seem like lying is the easiest way out of a situation. But when people find out that you have lied, the consequences are much worse.
• Lying is the opposite of telling the truth. Lying is similar to stealing or cheating. All will result in
  negative consequences for you.

Social Skill 15: Showing Sensitivity to Others