How Do You Be Honest Without Being Harsh?
Sometimes people proclaim they’re being honest when they’re really being cruel. Though honesty is the best policy, this isn’t always true when it comes to sharing a thought that might hurt another person. Tempering your honesty with tact ensures that your comments won’t be so harsh that the other person won’t hear them. Consider the circumstances before you respond. For example, if your friend asks for advice, honesty is probably the best approach. If your friend asks for your opinion on an unimportant matter, consider his feelings before you answer. When someone asks you a subjective question, consider her feelings. If she has doubts about her appearance, for example, don’t add to her doubts by pointing out her flaws, no matter how real you think they are. Reflect on why you want to share your opinion. If you want to share it because you want to prove your right about something, hold off on sharing your opinion. If you think that your honesty provides genuinely helpful information, sh
