Alan and I enjoy English “murder” mysteries. Over the last year or so, we’ve noticed a pattern in how the characters speak: Honestly. Truthfully. If I’m being honest. Why would I lie to you? We’ve made a game of shouting out the phrases—and, of course, asking: Does this mean you aren’t honest the rest of the time?
It isn’t exclusive to British writers and actors. I hear people using these phrases everywhere. Perhaps every generation has its verbal tics. In the late ’60s, it was groovy and like, wow. Young people have probably been poking fun at the way their elders speak since someone first said, Daddy-o.
Culturally, globally, we have moved into the Age of Aquarius. Two of its great themes are community and Truth—with a capital T. And one of the questions I hear quite a bit these days, quite frankly, is: How do I tell the difference between what is real and what is manufactured? If I’m being honest, it’s a worthy theme to consider. It will take practice. And community.
Truthfully.