Of course I believe honesty is the best policy…. I’ve been preached that since the day I was born I’m sure – “Welcome to the world Jamie – never forget honesty is the best policy.”
What about your honest opinion when you aren’t asked for it?
If I think an outfit looks horrible on someone but they don’t ask should I say? If they had doubts about it wouldn’t they ask? So if they don’t ask that must mean they feel great or at least okay in it and then isn’t what I think mute? If someone feels good about something isn’t that what is most important – after all my thoughts are simply just an opinion.
What about with behavior or actions? If I observe someone being completely spoiled and 100% difficult to get along with should I say if I’m not asked? Or if I see someone doing something with their spouse or their children that I think is a bad idea, but I’m not asked should I pipe up? Again everyone’s relationships are different and my thoughts regarding their actions may or not be accurate or helpful. Or of course I could be wrong.
This topic came up a month or two with my Mutual Improvement Group – the opinions varied as much as the women who make up this divine group.
I have worked toward the "none of my business philosophy of life". If I’m not asked then it is likely none of my business. Then I do see the point that if you love and care about someone and you think they are off track – with an outfit, hairstyle, or relationship then as a caring person shouldn’t you say something? Does biting your tongue make you cold and out of touch???
Obviously if you are going to bite your tongue then you should really bite it and not vent your ever growing opinion to someone else. Something I really must continue to work on. I hate confrontation or hurting someone so I can fairly easily keep my opinion to myself with individuals. When it comes to that awful gossip though, when it is ever so tempting to express an opinion to someone removed, I am not always so great at that.
Gossip is hurtful and wrong and accomplishes no good of this I’m sure – well at least in my opinion I’m sure – so I don’t struggle with the question to gossip or not to gossip?
However the question to speak your mind or not to? That is a bit tougher for me.
Even when I do speak my mind I can
My mom always says, “If you want to know the truth, don’t ask Jamie.”
I guess that might explain those precious words seconds after I was born……
I'm one that doesn't do well with not voicing my opinion when asked. Everyone who knows me knows that blunt honesty is what you're going to get. However, I try very hard to not voice my opinion when it's not asked for...
ReplyDeleteIt saves me a lot of hard feelings...
There is a fine line that depends on the situation and people of said situation. Personally I tried the smile and nod approach, if you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything at all....However, that policy litterally made me sick physically and mentally. So I'm continually trying to find the blance in speaking up and just smiling and nodding.
ReplyDeleteI definately believe in honesty especially when asked, but otherwise I think discretion is the better part of valor. Unless the situation will cause harm or embarrassment or some other negative result we probably should keep our opinion to ourselves. It cannot be a black or white answer.
ReplyDelete