One of the worst things one being can do to someone else is not tell them how they truly feel. A person can be “friends” with someone for months– even years– and still not know their feelings towards someone.
Even if they do not care for the other person, it is still better to end a relationship or friendship with some clarity as to why things ended the way they did, primarily because it doesn’t waste time or energy. There is no point in dragging something that is practically buried in the ground. People have more things to worry about in life, and stringing along a friendship that one is no longer enjoying is disrespectful and tiring. Of course, telling someone you don’t like them can be nerve-wracking, but it is better to leave the person with an answer than to leave them wondering.
Despite what some may believe, being straightforward does not always involve being negative to a person. Sometimes a person needs to hear something they don’t want to hear, and they need help accepting the truth. One may be in denial about their situation, and telling that person that they need to make a serious change in their lifestyle can be crucial in their life and could even strengthen the bond. Being able to talk face-to-face and have serious conversations with one another is what builds the foundation of a strong bond.
Speaking of strong bonds, a significant reason why companies, relationships, and friendships fail is due to miscommunication. Saying what needs to be said could be the start of a new chapter. No matter how strong a person may claim their bond may be with one person, if they cannot communicate, then that relationship is as durable as a thin sheet of paper. It won’t last, and it will rip apart quickly.
There is enough hatred in this world, and leaving someone questioning what they did wrong in a situation, all because a person did not dare to say they had an issue, will only lead to unnecessary stress and confusion. People have too many things to worry about in their lives, and adding another worry to their stressful lives should be avoided if possible. Be someone who can take the initiative to confront a person about an issue or help them see the things that they need to see – people will appreciate it in the long run.
Now this will lead to the question, why aren’t people straightforward? The biggest reason would be that they don’t want to hurt the feelings of others. Some people do not take straightforward advice well, and it can affect the status of a relationship if one takes the feedback too personally. While people may need to hear the information that you are telling them, they may not accept that information lightly. The majority of human beings react emotionally instead of rationally, which causes people to react to information in a negative way. But, if they cannot accept the information that was received, that may mean they are facing a bigger issue, acceptance.
Acceptance is not always easy and can take time. However, if this person cannot accept their situation, then one should reconsider the relationship. If the person truly values the friendship, they will take the time to reflect on the feedback given and work to fix the issue; if not, it may be a sign they are unwilling to change or do not value what their friends have to say. As difficult as it may be, sometimes letting go of a relationship is the best option for everyone involved.
In a world filled with so much dishonesty and sugarcoating, being straightforward takes courage. Although it may seem daunting, learning to be direct is a necessary skill for maintaining healthy relationships. At the end of the day, there is nothing more valuable than honesty.
