Is anyone entirely honest with their supervisor?

Um yes. I've had too many problems over my PhD (serious ill health) that I've ended up being possibly too honest at times! But it's got me the flexibility/support I need. Actually my supervisor has told me I'm too honest in my writing - I admit to problems/deficiencies/weaknesses when other people would cover them up. But I still want to do that :)

Hmmmmmm interesting Q... honest about??? I mean we dont tell them "everything", for that matter there isnt anyone in the world I would tell "everything" to, but that's normal for any human relationship at all..

I'm assuming you're talking of dishonesty, or concealing imp facts or twisting things?? Hmm, I'd never do that, I guess I'm very much in awe of my sup LOL...

:-) I was just wondering whether I was too honest telling sup about certain things. But I feel dishonest if I don't disclose fully, or like I'm being shifty if I try to keep some distance with certain things (nothing serious I assure you!).

You mean personal or work-wise? In principle it should be a good thing to share work-challenges with one's supervisor, as it can help address them. Sometimes supervisors can punish students for being too open about something that was overlooked, didn't work, etc. Ultimately though that's what honesty is all about, revealing important facts irrespective of consequences.

On a personal level, I had a very bad experience with sharing personal difficulties with a supervisor. I'd never do it again, as professionally competent supervisors can be extremely incompetent and discompassionate when it comes to advising or dealing with a student's personal issues.

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Siwee - honesty only comes when it is returned. Some of the times ya have to keep your hands close to your chest, just in case things don't turn out as they should.


Ooooooooooh 2.5 years of this has turned me citric - just call me lemon ;-)