Hi Motts. Being direct and honest is sometimes complicated and I definitively have gotten into some trouble in the past due to it.
I recently found on FB this quote and I couldn't agree more: "I was ashamed of myself when I realized life was a costume party and I attended with my real face" - F Kafka.

I guess a middle term between being completely fake and being too blunt must be found. I'm sorry you had to experience hatred for something you technically didn't do wrong. Hugs.