The truth that is suppressed by friends is the readiest weapon of the enemy.

When the people on your side hide an uncomfortable fact, they do not make it disappear. They simply hand it to whoever opposes you, who can reveal it at the worst moment and with the added charge of a cover-up. Silence meant as loyalty ends up as the most useful gift an opponent could receive.

If your team, family or group is avoiding a hard truth, consider raising it privately and early, while it can still be dealt with on your own terms. Honesty from within is almost always less damaging than exposure from outside. The same goes for your own mistakes.