One of What is Sure to Be Many Rants

I feel like my writing tonight was a bit lackluster, so it's time for a good ol' rant!
Today's Topic: What People Think About One Another
So, over the past two weeks, a few of my friends up at college have been having an issue with another member of our group, specifically that they found her annoying and frustrating. Rather than telling her outright, they found themselves unable to speak to this individual and instead avoided her, which, incidentally, caused a lot of stupid, unnecessary drama.
Unless it's in a work of creativity, drama is awful. It causes hard feelings for all involved, nothing is solved without a lot of screaming and cursing, and it causes rifts in relationships that could easily be avoided otherwise.
How you might ask? Why, by TELLING THEM THE TRUTH.
Wait, WAIT, don't go. Look, I know this is a kinda crazy idea, but hear me out here. There will always be those people in our lives who we dislike, and we let them know that through our actions towards them. But what about those people who consider you a friend, yet you refuse to correct their opinion? You know who I mean, that guy or girl trailing after you and your friends because they can't seem to find any other place to go.
Now, some would consider it a good thing to befriend them, as they are clearly lost in life. But, if you "friendship" with them is solely based on pity for them rather than an actual relationship, this will only hurt them in the end. You are tricking this individual into thinking that you have their back, that they can count on you to be there for them through the thick and thin. So, when you aren't, they become devastated by it. They are mentally scarred from the abandonment and confused by their sudden loneliness. They can't imagine themselves ever recovering from this, the hurt so tremendous that they can hardly get through the day.
Believe me, I've learned this from experience. I found myself throughout high school, particularly my senior year, alone and confused, broken from being left behind in the dust. I never want anyone else to go through this again, as it isn't a fair thing to have anyone go through.
Now, this concept I propose isn't simply for this purpose, but also for speaking your mind. Everyone seems to have a difficult time telling people how they really feel about them when they don't agree with them or when it's some kind of difficult emotion. But, honestly, you do more harm to everyone involved when you bottle it up; you hold in your emotions, haunted by the baggage you force yourself to carry. Your friends feel your pain as you trudge through life, unsure of what to say or do when you next see this individual in question. And the person in question will presumably figure out what is going on, one way or another, and will be immensely hurt by the fact that you can't be straight with them.
A little while back, I wrote a piece about a friend of mine who essentially abandoned me for reasons still unknown. Yet, instead of approaching me about the issue in question, he simply ignores me. This hurts a thousand times more than if he gave me a reason, as it feels like he looks down on me as a non-existent person, too stupid or unimportant to explain his feelings about me and allow me some form of a peace of mind.
There is a caveat to this, however;  the fact that you need to be comfortable speaking your mind. I get that this is a hard thing to do, that not everyone can get behind. I really do appreciate that. But know that, if for no one else, be straight with me. People are always calling me out when I try to skirt around the shit that is bothering me, so now it's time for me to call all of you out. I'm done causing more harm than good by holding back my emotions. My body can't take it anymore. But I will not become blunt or insensitive, but no stretch (I guess this is a caveat as well). Telling people how you feel is one thing; being insensitive about it is an entirely different, not okay thing that can seriously scar some people.
Look, I know it seems like I'm contradicting myself, and I guess that's because I'm ranting and having a hard time keeping track of all my thoughts. But in the end, telling people honestly and kindly how you feel about them is the best way of retaining a healthy relationship with that individual, while causing as little harm as possible to both yourself and those you care about. It's time for your emotions to take a stand so that we can all better understand one another and be more sensitive towards the feelings that some may have for you.
If there's one thing that has always made me mad beyond belief, it's when I'm being lied to. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't get made over any old lie, like if you're just joking around or if it isn't that big of a deal. But when you outright lie to me about something and I find out about it later, I get really pissed. Chances are you haven't seen me actually mad ever, so I hope this speaks volumes to you. I kind of feel like hiding your emotions from others is like lying to them; you are telling them you feel one way about them, when, in actuality, you feel something completely different for them. I guess what I'm trying to say is that lying sucks; it's hurtful, frustrating, and can ruin relationships. Sure, telling the truth could to, but at least it will be for the right reasons and you won't be living a lie.
Sorry if this has been a bit of a Debbie Downer, but it's something that needs to be said. Love you all, be sure to provide your own thoughts on this, and I hope inspiration will come my way on the morrow!