A real friend is someone who has the courage to speak truthfully to you, even though that truth may be painful to hear. For by knowing and acknowledging the reality of a situation, you can begin to successfully deal with it.

When the truth hurts, it can indeed be painful. Yet if you will listen carefully, you'll gain the wisdom to avoid even more pain and to move positively forward.

When you encounter a truth that is painful to hear, that pain is doing you a favor. It is providing you with an opportunity to make a change for the better.

Take that opportunity and run with it. Be thankful that a difficult and valuable truth has succeeded in getting your attention.

In the difficult truths you will find much power. Though the truth may hurt for a moment, in the long run it can also set you free.