BEING CHICKEN SHIT SHOULD BE A SIN

In everything I do, I try to be upfront.

There's been occasions when I had to make tough choices about exactly how to go about it when it's involved my kiddos and other people's children. I've had to make those decisions based on what is best in regard to my children while definitely keeping the others kids in mind also. In that scenario, it's a tough thing to do and when it comes down to it, as parents, we are all here to look out for the well-being of our children. You simply can't make everyone happy in this case. someone will always say, You should have..." or "I would have...". Truth be told, they don't have all the facts no matter how much they think they do so it is impossible to say that.

But...when it's not concerning kids, it's a clear choice. Or at least it should be.

Sometimes we find ourselves in a position where being 'upfront' involves the possibility of hurting someone else's feelings. (Or as I like to call them 'feelers', but that would probably be insensitive in this case, so we'll go with the aforementioned word of feelings).

I watched one of my fave shows last night, Modern Family, and Phil was trying to fire his brother-in-law. Ironically, the BIL wanted to quit anyway, but the stress it brought to Phil having to do and say something that would hurt someone else made me think, "Yeah...I know that feeling."

I never EVER want to hurt someone. I actually go to lengths to avoid it. However, I've been on the receiving end of someone not being totally upfront with me before and believe me...in the long run...it hurts way worse when you try and spare the others feelings than when you just come out and say, "This is what's going on and you're worth it to me to tell you. No matter how uncomfortable it may be."

And I'll even go you one further...it's chicken shit. It is. It is the one having to deliver said 'bad news' who just doesn't want to deal with the emotions, possible negative feelings, questions...you name it. But guess what? That's part of life. Put on your big girl panties, polish your danglers, whatever...do it. And if they decide to cut you out of their life for you being honest, they weren't worth it in the first place. That being said, there's a wrong way and a right way to complete this task.

Remember, on occasion, honesty can hurt. Not to imply it's necessary to be hateful or mean, because it's not. At all. But it doesn't help matters to beat around the bush. Say what you need to say in a mature, calm, well-thought-out manner. Be prepared for questions that may arise. Emotions that may come to the surface. Accusations of why this is happening. We prepare for important business meetings, why don't we prepare to deliver news that could potentially be bad or at least surprising to someone? Shouldn't that just be a common courtesy?

It's not always the easy thing to do. But it's the right thing to do.

Sometimes I really hate being right.

Always remember and never forget: "Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it's faced." ~JBaldwin