Friday, March 25, 2011

It's Not What You Say

As sayings do, one came across the internet the other day that struck a chord with me. In effect: The exact words spoken may be forgotten, but the way they make you feel never will be. 

That one's taken a long time for me to learn, and I've never seen or heard it put so succinctly. In not wanting to be misunderstood, or to be thought stupid, in sheer disbelief, or whatever, I think many times I totally overlooked how my words made the listener feel. 

Max and I often joke about my tactlessness, and we've said I earned it honestly from my dad. I wonder if my tactlessness isn't sheer blindness in not realizing how my words will make the listener feel. Maybe they're the same thing. 

3 comments:

Deb said...

I call it bluntness. I much rather have someone be "real". It is honest. (grin>

Cherizac said...

I'm with Debbi. If you're blunt, but honest and not intentionally hurtful. I had a co-worker once we called "Frank", because she was, brutally. But she was a fighter, and always had your back, and you knew where you stood with her.

It's backstabbing phoniness I can't stand. Evil.

Jola Gayle said...

LOL, I would hope to be more like "Frank" than just carelessly hurtful. I, too, agree with Debbi. If people aren't honest, you can never trust what they say.