Suzi McGowen said…
I live by this rule:
1. Is it kind?
2. Is it honest?
3. Is it necessary?

Suzi, I agree with you, but this reminds me of a joke.

A man ran up to Socrates and cried, “Socrates, you’ll never guess the rumor I just heard about one of your students!”

Socrates held up his hand. “Before you speak, let me ask you three questions. Is what you want to say kind?”

“Er.” The student blushed. “Not really.”

“Is it true?” asked Socrates.

“Uh… I really don’t know if it’s true or not… it’s a rumor…”

“Is it necessary?” continued Socrates, lifting an eyebrow. “Given that it is neither kind nor even necessarily true, is it going to make the world a better place to tell me this rumor?”

The man hung his head in shame. “You’re right, Socrates. Never mind.”

This incident shows why Socrates was regarded as a wise and good man.

It’s also why he never found out that Plato was boinking his wife.