Straigtforward or Harsh?
Okay, I’m a very straightforward person. I am polite, but I prefer to tell it (and hear it) how it is. I’m not into sugar coating.
I am not mean. At least, I don’t think that I am. I am sarcastic. But, I don’t think bitingly so.
I was told today that I am abrasive. This was from a person that I consider to be overly sensitive. To the point that I often just don’t call or get off the phone quickly if we are heading towards certain topics, simply because it’s tiring having to watch my words all the time.
So, I am wondering, do you think that people who are straightforward are harsh or abrasive? Would you rather someone just play nice-nice all the time and just tell you what you want to hear or would you prefer to hear their honest opinion, warts and all?
Do you think it’s abrasive to just say something outright or does it always need to be cached in soft words in order to soften the blow?
And, while we are on the subject, why is the straightforward (or supposed harsh) person always the bad guy? Why is it never the sensitive person? Why is sensitivity considered a good trait when it’s abused to the point that every tiny thing is upsetting?
Personally, if you haven’t figured it out by now, I find overly sensitive people annoying. I think it’s more of a manifestation of being insecure about oneself or one’s choices. I don’t tolerate that very well either.
I’m not saying I’m never insecure about my choices, since I’m almost always insecure about my choices, but I’m honest with myself about that and most other things.
If someone points something out that deep down I know to be true, I admit it. Fair cop, I say. Maybe it’s something I’ve not thought of. Maybe I have thought of it, but I’ve rationalized it away with other reasons. But again, at least I’m honest about why something might bother me opposed to just getting my sensitive back up.
My mother always said I’d make a great psychologist. Did I mention I’m often sarcastic as well?
Thanks for reading my rant. I will try to me more positive next post.
No related posts.
08/25/2009 | About Me.
Trackback URL for this post: http://flyawayfamily.com/straigtforward-or-harsh/2160/trackback
August 26th, 2009 at 5:01 am
I think someone can be straightforward without being abrasive– I definitely do not think the two go hand in hand. Probably best to consider the source, but then again self-actualization is a pretty tricky thing.
August 26th, 2009 at 7:39 am
Yes, you are right about self-actualization. This person brings out the worst in me, I will admit. Not sure why. I have been watching my words for years now. It’s hard. Guess I either need to try harder.
Frugal Dad wrote a great article the other day about something similar although this person is not in a better financial situation, so that doesn’t really apply, but the general sentiment is there.