Honest...why do people not practice that?

I have always wondered why.....are people not honest with others.  Is it because they cannot be honest with self?  Maybe they don't want to take responsibility for behaviors or actions...maybe they think that they are saving someone elses feelings.  I have found those to be the two main reasons why we do not say what we mean and mean what we say.  People tend to come from a place of damage control...damage to self or others as they see it.  Don't you think there is more damage in lying to another than telling the truth?  The sting of truth hurts much less and for less time than the destructive nature of the lie.  AND......everyone knows where they stand.  Wow...what would that look like?  To make informed decisions with all the facts on the table.  Whether it's business, realtionships or friendships....no matter what truth is the best way.  Just my 2 cents worth