A rose by any other name

I really like words that are normally used as compliments but only because our default interpretation is a charitable one.

Someone could describe themselves as sincere and genuine and I think most people would take that to mean something positive about the person, when really they could have sincerely held beliefs about the merits of eugenics or genuinely believe that they deserve more than everyone they meet. I guess sincerity and being genuine are considered as mostly positive traits because of some value of honesty but it seems the underlying premise is actually one of optimism - that the honesty will be Good. That's kind of nice that there's some default assumption of goodness in other people.

Or if someone is considerate or thoughtful, I think it's seen as a great characteristic. My friend's girlfriend gifted him a new book; she wrote a message inside the cover to him in pencil, so if they broke up he could simply rub out the message and enjoy the book minus the written reminder of their relationship. That's some thoughtful consideration.


Interesting point. Congratulations on your first post. Welcome to the community.
2021-02-10 21:36:19
I believe that thoughtful and considerate will absolve most of the negative possible versions of the sincere/genuine.

But if you had to choose.... if you are into life partner type of things. Would you choose a partner who is insincere about the right things? Or sincere about the wrong things?
2021-02-10 23:46:40
Welcome to the club. We are all genuine here ;)
2021-02-11 09:01:38
Hahaha, this is great. Good post!
2021-02-11 12:02:34
Thanks all, nice to be here! :)

abrahamKim
 that's a tricky hypothetical... one scenario sounds immediately and consistently terrible (sincere about the wrong things) while one sounds like long-term attrition of joy (insincere about the right things). Since it's a life partner scenario it would probably also matter on how old/close to death I was (would it?!) ... this is a real quandry.
2021-02-11 16:02:53
Ha well thanks for providing an actual answer. I feel like most people would say something like I don't have time for stupid questions like this when asked. 

Answer -> how close to death am I? what are the chances I never find out about the insincerity? 
2021-02-11 16:59:44