The truth can always be spoken. It should be spoken with kindness, but it can always be spoken.
I say this on a regular basis, in various contexts. It came up tonight in conversation with my friend, Kristine.
It continues to shock me that people have such difficulty speaking the truth. Why would you say "maybe" when you really mean "no?" You're just making it more difficult for the questioner, who doesn't have an honest answer, and cannot plan accordingly. Why be so cruel? If you mean "no," then say, "no." It's a very simple word - one syllable - it requires neither justification nor explanation.
Truth is such a rarity in our worlds that when we hear it, it resonates with us. You feel it, as well as hear it.
Can you imagine how different our world would be if the truth were always spoken in relationships, jobs, and politics?