Sam Vaknin distinguishes constructive truthtelling from sadistic honesty, arguing that honesty becomes harmful when it targets others’ vulnerabilities, is performed publicly to humiliate, or is used for self-aggrandizement. He emphasizes that honest feedback in private aims at growth and should be delivered with humility and empathy. True honesty accepts human imperfection and requires self-reflection rather than using truth as a weapon against others. Sadistic Honesty or Truthtelling?