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Choosing when not to speak
“Never miss a good chance to shut up.”
- Will Rogers
It’s important for us to speak up when we feel like something needs to be said. If we feel someone is being out of line or someone’s safety is at risk, we should feel an obligation to say something. However, if we feel compelled to gossip or convey our unsolicited opinion, we may be doing ourselves more harm than good. It typically comes down to what our intentions may be. If we don’t have the right intentions, it may be best for us to keep quiet. If we are not sure whether or not to say anything, it’s important to consider our intentions.
We all have said things to people we may have regretted or wish we could take back. Perhaps statements were made in the heat of the moment or without knowing all the facts. It happens. We are human. Sometimes these interactions require an apology or a cooling off period, depending on what was said. Sometimes arguments or words exchanged can ruin relationships beyond repair. Not everyone is wiling to accept apologies or let bygones be bygones. This is why it’s important for us to choose our words wisely or not say anything at all.
There are times when we may have the best of intentions and still end up offending the other person with what we said. We can’t control how people will respond to how we treat them. We can only do our best to…
