“The truth shall set you free” is something I’ve heard countless times. I can’t begin to express how much of a mantra this has become, even more so the older I get. I tend to blame my slight autism and highly introvertedness for my degree of honesty and the reasons why my relationships don’t work out or why some people don’t respect me.

After speaking with my Bohemian best friend, she said something that made me rethink my relationship and social approach. Patricia said, “Your level of honesty is unheard of. I think it’s intimidating for many people, especially if they’re not used to it.”

As I sat in the Wolf Theater at the Denver Performing Arts Complex (DPAC) last month, waiting for A Christmas Carol to begin, I found myself repeating Patricia’s words. I contemplated so much in a matter of minutes.

The DPAC is home to 14 performance and event venues connected by an 80-foot glass canopy. The 12-acre site is the second-largest performing arts destination under one roof in the United States.

Visitors also enjoy public art and several restaurants. The Colorado Ballet, Denver Symphony Orchestra, Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and Opera Colorado are the complex’s top performing arts institutions.

The Wolf Theatre is the largest of the four theatres in the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex. I set my thoughts free as the lights dimmed and the music began. Excitement set in as I welcomed the opportunity to not think about anything for a couple of hours.

As a believer in self-reflection, I found myself relating to some of the situations Ebenezer Scrooge faced. Moreover, I found myself relating to Scrooge but not to his grumpy attitude. What I resonated with was that regardless of his reasons for being a grump, at least he was honest about it.

Then, I couldn’t help but ask myself, “What’s so bad about the truth? Why is it so easy for many people to lie or sugarcoat?” I’m not here to judge. I simply don’t understand. I wish I did.

The show was over, a standing ovation ensued, and a sense of anxiety came over me. As I gathered my belongings and proceeded toward the exit, my mind wandered back to what Patricia said.

The thing is, I don’t care who you are, what your age is, or about your status. I speak to everyone the same: with respect. And for me, honesty is the highest form of respect. It saddens me that I can’t always get the same respect from others, especially those who claimed I was once important to them.

The Denver Performing Arts Complex is located at 1400 Curtis Street, Denver. You can find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/artscomplex, or you can call them at 303-893-4000.