Nowadays, there are so many new words, phrases and sayings, I often feel old as I am not sure I am quite keeping up with the youth of today. That’s not necessarily a bad thing I suppose, but I still engage with young people on a daily basis so it’s useful to understand ‘the lingo‘. Did you know there is an ‘urban dictionary‘ which serves to translate this new language? [though I have to say, some of the public submissions are about as accurate at the user submitted entries on the IGI!]
Keeping it real apparently means, “Staying true to yourself, your faith, your life and constantly seeking the truth. You are keeping it real as long as you do not harm yourself or anyone around you physically mentally or spiritually.” I am always ME. I don’t inhibit myself or pretend to be something I am not. What you see is what you get…. No fluff, no bluster, no nonsense ….
When someone changes who they are or what they believe due to societal pressures, they are not #keepingitreal in my opinion. But keeping it real doesn’t mean being unkind, unpleasant or unethical when dealing with other people …. well, not unless that is your natural persona, I guess.
At FWL, we deal in facts. We have to prove every connection we have made in every case we are working on whether it’s on a tracing matter, Heir Hunting, brick wall research or full ancestry project for a client. Putting the wrong connections together can be very costly. Keeping it real – keeping it right – is crucial. [That’s why we have to cite our sources too…. one for another day!]
We don’t cover up the truth with clients, though sometimes we have to be very sensitive when passing on our findings. Ethics are extremely important to us. [Like telling clients our precise percentage commission, not woolly-ing up the costs with a percentage plus VAT quote…. Hmm….]
