Are you the type of person who is super honest with close friends and family? Or the type to just tell them what they want to hear? Or even the sweet as pie, always positive advice?
I’m the type that is honest, sometimes brutally, if I know you can handle it. I wasn’t always this way, certain life events made me rethink some things in my life. This being one of them.
I’ve always thought of myself as a kind person, always there for friends and family, always a shoulder when they need it and willing to give advice when I can. Unfortunately, most people tend to take advantage of kind souls and it has happened one too many times to me. Those people are no longer apart of my life. But it made me think, could I have said something to change the outcome? Could I have been totally honest with them in advice, who I truly am and how I felt? I don’t think so.
My circle of loved ones, friends and family, has become small and include a few new additions.
Now, when I build new relationships/friendships and they come to me for advice, I blatantly ask “Do you want brutal honesty or you want me to sugarcoat it?” Most people opt for brutal honesty. However, if they get offended or don’t like the advice, is that my fault? I’ve learned as I get older and the years pass, that I don’t intend to keep quiet any more. You want advice, you got it. I’m feeling a certain way, you’ll know it. When I give advice and you keep repeating the same mistake, I’ll start hesitating to give advice.
But where is the fine line? When is it too much honesty for the person receiving it? And do certain circumstances warrant the bullshit pleasantries over speaking the truth? When do you stop giving advice to people who won’t utilize it?
Food for thought ladies and gents.
Ciao!
Mama on the Move 