In many ways, society teaches people to ignore, repress, deny and yes, even lie about their real feelings. For example, when asked how we feel, most of us will reply "fine" or "good," even if that is not true. Sometimes people will also say that they are not angry or not defensive, when it is obvious that they are......
Children start out emotionally honest. They express their true feelings freely and spontaneously. Guess what happens then? PARENTS!!! The training to be emotionally dishonest begins at an early age. There is nothing wrong with showing emotion as long as you use self-control also. Let us be HONEST! Wouldn't that be REFRESHING for a change?
Parents and teachers often encourage or even demand that children speak or act in ways which are inconsistent with the child's true feelings. Boys are especially encouraged to hide their emotion. Daddy saying, "BE A MAN, SON!" What has that got to do with it? I seen my nephew raised to "be a man" before he was even 1 year old! Good grief!!!! How sad is that? He was taken off of his bottle before he was even 1 year old ...because daddy wanted him to BE A MAN!
A child may be told to smile when actually they are sad. She is told to apologize when she feels no regret. Perhaps we should try to teach them LOVE and the true emotions of serving Jesus Christ....instead of making them lie?
A child may be told to "stop complaining" when they feel mistreated. They may be told it is "rude" and "selfish" to protest being forced to act in ways which go against their true feelings.
Through all of societys put downs and encouragement NOT TO SHOW ANY EMOTION.... the child learns they can't be honest with their feelings. They gradually stop being emotionally honest with their parents, their teachers, their friends and even themselves. They are taught that it just doesn't pay to be express one's true feelings.
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