Speaking your mind..

TheOtherBloke

Okay I was having a debate with a few people this morning about whether its better to just say what you think all the time instead of holding back.. like if youve got an opinion just say it, regardless of the situation or how relevant. They say its better to just say what you actually think instead of holding back.You get the type that consider the situation and hold back and you get others that just lets it out boldly and simple. Just say it how it is.. blunt as anything whatever the situation.

Ie ive got a friend. If one of us started irritating him in any way.. he'll just tell us strait.. and ive got others that would just stay quiet.
I believe its better to just speak your mind and be blunt and get straight to the point.

What are your opinions?

Venus In Furs

It's not always a bad thing, but it really depends on context.

"Know your audience" is a pretty basic social skill.

cloud493

Yeah, what the above says. Sometimes I try to say what I think, be blunt and all, but its not always conducive towards functioning as an adult. Part of being an adult is learning to get along with and communicate with people you might not always like, so you cant always be completely blunt.

bb1234567

Speaking your mind at all times could end up hurting a lot of people. And if the person means well even if they are irritating me I will certainly try y best not to offend them, and will probably keep quiet. There are times when you should speak your mind, but it depends completely on the situation. Often keeping quiet will mean a much better outcome, a little of both is best.

The Backwards Man

You got to know when to scold them, and know when to hold your tongue.

myshirt

I plead the fifth

Calibos

The Backwards Man wrote: »

You got to know when to scold them, and know when to hold your tongue.

You also got to know when to walk away.....or when to run!

The Backwards Man

Calibos wrote: »

You also got to know when to walk away.....or when to run!

There'll be time enough for that

boobar

At work I was the person who would be quite vocal and would have had no problem expressing a viewpoint that would have been unpopular.

However, I learned over time that being "forthright" can lead to hassle, and that there's a way of expressing an unpopular view without being blunt.

Outside of work I speak my mind....it does surprise my friends sometimes but they don't seem too bothered.

The Strawman Argument

It depends on your audience but it also depends on exactly how much of an effort it takes to not speak your mind.

For example, my whole family are always on edge from trying to avoid saying things which may upset someone or another and it's such a f*cking maze of strategic planning regarding which things you can't say to who* that it's just far easier to let things out and deal with the five seconds of awkwardness instead of a lifetime of stress.


*and what the odds are of them saying you said them to someone who might take offense, etc

gidget

I'll speak my mind if it's to do with something in life that I agree/disagree with. However if lets say for example a friend falls out with another friend or oh & feels the need to vent, i'll be sympathetic but will always hold my tongue as a lot of those cases can lead to awkwardness afterwards if they should kiss & make up with that person.

UCDVet

I always speak my mind....when I'm on the internet. The safety of being alone in my room with my keyboard gives me the confidence to say whatever I want.