India, July 16 -- These days, it is common to hear people say something hurtful and then defend themselves by saying, "I'm just straightforward," or "I'm blunt with my words." While honesty is important, it should never come at the cost of someone else's feelings. We are social beings, and whether we like it or not, we all live within certain social norms. Just as previous generations did, we follow a set of rules, though today we have more freedom to decide which ones align with our values.

Being honest does not give you the right to hurt others simply because it helps you feel lighter or more comfortable. In a world already filled with conflict, competition, stress and jealousy, what people need most is empathy. You never truly know wh...