Honesty is the best policy! So, it is when used carefully! We all grow up believing in whatever is being said, told, emphasized, reiterated over and over again often to embed opinions so deep into our minds that they are virtually unalterable. Forget being honest when it comes to accepting another culture. No matter where in the world you are, there will be amalgamated cultural hubs, and you only try to fit in. Whether it’s your own country or you are out visiting one. Something or the other will always feel different. And, human nature does not let you accept differences that easily. You may either feel extremely elated or disappointed. But you cannot let that show. That is strictly against the social conduct in every country, society or religion.

Imagine you are an American by birth having spent most of your life outside your home country learning newer social practices, behaviors, mannerisms appropriate to your new culture and then suddenly you are asked to return to your own country. You come back with your own strong beliefs and actions and find many differences in the lifestyle. How would you react? Would you be honest enough to comment on the social practices of your own country or begin accepting both cultures equally? Accepting equally sounder sane and wise!

Honesty though is required, but is best retained in your own heart when it comes to living in different cultures. It is only the will you ever be able to adapt and accept the changes completely.

I come from the Mecca of cultural diversity-India. With over a hundred spoken languages and cultures, India is a wonder in itself. How we Indians co-exist with harmony is still a mystery to many. All we learnt growing up is that to accept, you need to be tolerant. Though fanaticism is a global problem, India still manages to maintain peace not only within its borders but stands as a peace-maker for the entire world. This would have been virtually impossible if we were completely honest about how we felt about each other’s cultures. We are all different, with different set of beliefs, food habits, attires, languages, cultures in fact everything. What is common is humanity!

Honesty alone can be pretty dangerous, but when exercised with caution and diplomacy, it can be an asset and can help bridge cultural barriers across the globe. Honesty should and must always be coupled with tolerance. Tolerance has the power of altering the mental make up of an individual to an extent that honesty no longer will remain a careful choice!