What says more about a persons character, what they do, or what they say...or is there a happy middle ground?

Answer 1

I hate to use the old phrase that "actions speak louder than words".......but it is so true. There are some real masters of the vernacular that can speak in such flowing terms that would melt every sentimental fool around. But to say one thing and then do another........says so much more about a person's character. It is not enough to say "I love you" and assume that your partner will be content and even confident in the relationship. What you do that shows the love will say so much more about you.

On the job.......to tell your boss or your co workers that you will take care of that issue is not enough. I have had co workers that could come to me and ramble on and on for hours about their displeasure with something and how it has to change and how we all need to be up in arms and take an aggressive approach and find the guts to go out there and make our voices be heard. Then after an hour they leave my room and go back to hide in theres. I'll pick up the phone and in three minutes accomplish what it took them one hour to complain about. I find that almost cowardly and assuming. Again.....their actions say so much more about them than their words.

Then you can have that friend that is so righteous in word. Preaches for equal rights for all around. That what the world needs now is tolerance and patience and open ears to understand the plights of others. And then goes outside and yells at the taxi cab driver for not picking up her bags for her as she then yells at him for not having the air conditioner up to a level that suited her. Again........her character is formed in my mind from her actions........and her words then begin to mean little to me at all.

People don't realize that we as a society.......observe. We don't just "listen." We do hear you......and we want to believe you at all costs. But we wait and watch.....and then learn. The happy middle ground comes when what we say and what we do coincide. The expectation meets reality and we are pleased. But when what we hear.......differs from what we see, we tend to make character judgements that are not always positive. Therefore, we must remember to practice what we preach and to preach what we practice. Then the world will see us for exactly who we are....and what we are.

Answer 2

There is that old saying it is better to walk the walk than to just talk the talk, and to a certain extent I put more emphasis on walking the walk. I have much respect for others who put the needs of others first, and make an effort to help their fellow humans. I don't put much credance to the people who preach a good sermon and live like hypocrites.

But you asking about a middle ground, makes me realize that words are often actions. Often we see people's character through how they communicate with other people. For example, you might have a coworker who is like the "Edie Haskell" and speaks to the boss with such reverence and the Beaver with disrespect.

That being said, I think is a combination--and maybe it rests heavier on the words. Seriously, a friend who moes my lawn when I am ill will be appreciated, but if they constantly cut me to the quick with their words, eventually I will not care about that lawn cutting.

Answer 3

i think what they do is more of an indicator of Character in general... *however*, sometimes people act a certain way in order to be perceived a certain way. but no one else can find out the complete truth; like they say, only God knows. :) sooo... i think u have to put together what people say and what they do, and let time show a "trend" of sorts to be able to fully trust and understand a person's true character.

at first glance, i guess it's more actions that speak louder than words....and after a longer period of time, they go hand in hand.

Answer 4

Ideally words and actions should both reflect a persons character. I try to always say what I mean and mean what I say. Jesus wants witnesses to his words. I take that to mean I should not only say the right words I should do the right things. Like I not only say be a volunteer I am a volunteer. It is just what a person should do.

Answer 5

The happy middle ground for me is if they're practicing what they're preaching. *smile* Some people talk a good game, but you don't see it reflected in their actions. I loathe hypocrisy.

My mother-in-law will lecture any child at the dinner table about good manners while she has food in the corners of her mouth and gravy dribbled down her blouse. She's a hypocrite and in her case, actions speak louder than words.

Answer 6

I think there is a happy middle ground. Because some comments can show you who a person is and ofcourse actions do as well

Answer 7

i believe there's what you call a 'middle ground'.

Why?
because there are a lot of cases where people tend to say things they really never meant to say(maybe because they're pressured, tensed,...) And most of the times, they are misunderstood .

and it's the same thing in regards to 'what people does'.

I really can't thoroughly explain it but my suggestion is for you to befriend that person to be able to analyze their characterisitcs. And there are lot of factors to consider when it comes to judging a person's character/istics.

also, first impressions dont always last....

Answer 8

What they DO says more about their character, I know plenty of people that can talk all day long about what good people they are and how they'll do anything for a friend and such.... then they turn around and get arrested for trying to assult people in the grocery store

Answer 9

Words are deceptive. Actions reveal more about a person's integrity, honesty, and intentions than words. A person reveals their character in their habits and the way they operate in the world.

Answer 10

It think that it is what a person does....what you say does not matter if there are no actions to back it up ......people say alot of s hit but either will or won't hold true to it....actions always speak louder than words........real s hit !!!!1