Much of the time, being honest is being kind. It's telling someone what they need to know, not what they want to hear. You are trying to tell what's in their best interest, insofar as that is possible. Being really blunt about the truth is often not necessary, and can be as counterproductive as anything. Being nice is another matter. Nice is more a matter of trying to make them feel good, even if you smooth some rough edges off the truth a bit. Nice is more sensitive, but not as useful, and can also be carried way too far.

Depends on how badly you need friends.

What about honesty in a kind way?

Maybe strike a balance between the two? It all depends on the situation.

Just be honest with me or stay away from me. It is not that difficult.

If all you accomplish with the truth is to hurt someone's feelings, l will pass.

Either be kind or be silent.

Gentle honesty, if possible..

Depends on the circumstances. Both can be right and wrong.

I think I would err toward kindness unless it's very important that the truth be known. Surely the "cynical truth"--i.e., telling the truth for the purpose of hurting someone's feelings--should be avoided.

I agree to an extent. If you are really trying to be honest and speak the truth. I find that many or most of the people that express this the loudest are just the ones that want to be dominant bullies and disregard the feelings and opinions of anyone that disagrees with them.