Snuffle -

you said
I know someone who very proudly describes himself as "pathologically honest" ...
sounds good doesn't it? but in practice it translates as saying anything that comes to his mind, even if mean, nasty, belligerent, or unjust (and because of huge anger issues, it's often one of these), and there will never be any question of getting a word of apology, because he's such an honest guy (smooch up his own arm)

In no way do I discount the value of honesty; but in this case, I tried to tell him the idea is not to be pathologically honest any more than pathologically dishonest; the idea is not to be pathologically anything.
I bet you can guess where that particular bit of "truthfulness" got me. out in the cold!!