“Being honest may not get you many friends, but it will always get you the right ones.” Best I can tell, this quote is attributed to John Lennon. 

The art of being honest with friends can be tricky. There are those that are blessed with the art of diplomacy and can say pretty much anything and you'll thank them for it. It seems most don't say anything while others carry and dispense truth like a hammer.

It's easy not to tell your friends the truth. You don't want to hurt people you love but the act of being truthful, to me, is a gift for both. 

IMHO If you want your relationships to be deep and meaningful, then you have to be honest. Just do it with love.