Tuesday 9 February 2021

Why it is more Important to be Kind than to be Right

Most people believe "honesty is the best policy", which I agree with. Some people, however, use sensitive information about others in a hurtful way. By bringing up the subject in front of other people, for example, which is humiliating. Then if the person complains about it, insult is added to injury by saying they were just being honest!  If you really care for people, you don't do that.

There are kinder ways to give pointers to someone and remain truthful. Pause before responding. Think about how you can say something in a way that respects the other person's feelings. Some people are more sensitive than others. It is easier to communicate face to face where body language can be read. How many relationships are ruined by texting in anger and haste, where messages are often misunderstood? If you have to rely on emails or texts, at least take the time to clarify meaning.  

Then there are the soapbox people that have to rant and voice their opinion as if they were the only ones in the right. Yes, you are entitled to your opinion, just don't expect everyone to agree with you. Publicly humiliating someone, on social media for example, even when you feel wronged, is never OK. Then blocking the person, so they don't have a chance to defend themselves, is just plain nasty! 

It all comes down to being respectful and having good manners. I was sometimes guilty of foot-in-the-mouth disease in the past because I wanted to be honest. I have learned to keep my mouth shut if the issue is not important or if expressing my views is a waste of time.




I once read that you should treat family, loved ones, like company. Often we treat those closest to us poorly, with unkind remarks, because we think we can get away with it. Even if someone is rude to you, rise above it, don't take it personally and choose to be kind! Sometimes the best thing is to do is say nothing at all, just listen.

I wrote this originally 6 years ago. Listening to the news and what is going in the world, division, hatred, this blog is more timely than ever. Looking for the best in people is always good advise. Take care of yourselves friends.

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