I've had an ongoing debate with most of my friends about artificiality. My friends always tell me that I am too blunt and tactless. By and large, I always express what I feel candidly. I make it heard when I do or don't like someone.

When a friend asks me how I think she looks, I never lie. I might tell her she looks chubbier in the other outfit, to go with it or to wear the other pair of shoes because the ones she's wearing are ugly. My friends reprimand me constantly, telling me to be more diplomatic and tactful when dealing with people.

The reason they say this is because frank people are often misunderstood. If you tell someone what they don't really want to hear, they are likely to respond negatively. Candid people tell people what they need to hear and not what they want to hear.

Frank people don't do it in style — they care enough to tell you what they think. They also expect you to be straight with them and stay clear of backbiting. They don't think it is reasonable to give the wrong impression by hugging and planting a kiss on the cheek with promises of meeting for lunch when it's never going to happen.

On the other hand, those who are superficial put up a front in order for people to like them better. They tell you that you look cute when you might have the worst hair day, and they give the impression that they adore you, even though they might slander you when you are out of earshot. These are the friends you party, drink and dance with, people who have never said a harsh word to you and you often consider them the best friends ever.

Friendship really depends on truth and accountability. If your friends are there for you at the hour of need, they are true friends. If they say you have the most hideous watch, it is acceptable because after all, they are only stating their opinion. It's better than being told your watch is "gorgeous — just like you!" only to find others laughing at you.

My mother once told me that there are many people you encounter in your lifetime who are "fair weather" friends who are there when things are rosy, but when things get bad for you, they are first to run.

For me, to be surrounded by such friends seems hellish. Hence, being honest and up-front with people enables you to realize and sift the real friends from the unreal.

There are few who feel that being forthright is an art, a rare quality to possess that is endearing and respectable. Most people then think twice about putting up a facade with you, knowing that you might put them in their place.

Finally, is being hypocritical beneficial?

Truth hurts and reality bites is what most people preach to me. Sometimes you have to allow people to live in a false world at the cost of being false yourself to make people happy. My earnest belief is that those who can deal with truth in a good-natured manner are priceless and stick around. Those who are false and need an escape from reality don't need to be in your company.

When your motto is "what you see is what you get," you might realize that in itself is pretty cool.

Is it a curse to be genuine or a blessing in disguise? Some people might never know. For the most part, I like to keep it real.

Shouger Merchant is a sophomore in LAS. Her columns appear Mondays. You can reach her at opinions@dailyillini.com.