The man makes it clear where he stands on matters

A man you can trust is a man you can read. He tells you where he stands, even when it costs him — no hedging, no waiting to see which way the room leans. Yes or no. The fog is for men hiding something.

Vagueness feels safe. It keeps every door open and offends no one. But the man who never commits to a position teaches everyone, slowly, that he cannot be counted on — because a man who stands nowhere will stand with whoever is winning. Clarity costs him. It makes some enemies and loses some rooms. It also makes the friendships real, because the people around him finally know what they are dealing with. Trust is built on knowing where a man stands, and you cannot trust a fog.