For example, Simon on American Idol is a no-nonsence guy and he's someone I can say I trust because he wouldn't bullcrap anyone. So isn't that the we should treat others around us, especially the ones we love?
2007-03-15 08:38:55 · 18 answers · asked by Believe me 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Other - Family & Relationships
One can be honest, and still tactful. There are ways of telling someone the truth that are likely to be less painful than other ways.
Example:
You must not bathe, you smell like crap.
or
You may want to change your brand of deoderant, it's just not working for you.
Simon's behavior is like the shock-jocks on the radio (to a lesser extent)...it's for attention...although honesty is to be applauded, being an azz about it is not and he often crosses the line with no regard for the feelings of the person he's addressing.
I want to hear the truth, and I'm not so thin-skinned that I can't take someone being blunt and tactless, but I prefer being treated as I treat others...with thoughtfulness and tact (at least that is how I try to treat others).
2007-03-15 08:44:49 · answer #1 · answered by . 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it all depends upon the issue at hand and the person involved.
Is being honest and straightforward always a matter of being brutally frank?
I think it's a matter of style; not just blatant honesty.
It would be totally possible for Simon to tell a contestant about their shortcomings without being totally obnoxious.
Thousands of counselors all over the world have to tell people things on a daily basis; things about their personality that need changing or work. There's usually no reason for them to be overly insulting, just for the sake of being frank.
I'm not saying you have to sugar coat everything. Not at all.
I'm saying that most of the time, it's possible to communicate "negative" things without being cruel.
2007-03-15 16:33:41 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are going to hurt somebody's feelings, then you'd better have a good reason for it.
Going around an hurting other people's feelings for no reason other than just your desire to be honest is bound to make you a very unpopular guy.
And even when it is necessary to hurt somebody's feelings by being honest, it's best say it as diplomatically as possible in order to convey the necessary message with the minimum amount of hurt.
When you love others, then it doesn't make sense to hurt them unnecessarily.
2007-03-15 15:54:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
there's a way to be honest with people without brutally hurting their feelings. just because they may not like what you say doesn't mean they don't understand it was an honest answer. for Simon on AI, sure he is honest, but he could say things better to not humiliate some of the people on national television. there's a fine line for that between honesty and just being mean.
2007-03-15 15:45:22 · answer #4 · answered by Green-eyed Nikki 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know the saying, it you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything? Simon is supposed to make those comments to try to improve the contestants for the next session. But in life we don't have to make negatives comments just because. If someone asks your opinon, give it. if not, don't. Good luck and God Bless.
2007-03-15 15:45:18 · answer #5 · answered by tersey562 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honesty is good, but it can be done in a softer way than how Simon does it. You need to find some middle ground between honesty and brutality.
2007-03-15 15:42:37 · answer #6 · answered by mykidsrsaints 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
While Simon is an upfront guy, he also is very hurtful and says things that are mean and undeserving. You can be honest but not hurtful.. there is a big difference.
2007-03-15 15:42:36 · answer #7 · answered by mayihelpyou 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Depends... you have to be the judge on how they handle things. Some news is best broken gently, in pieces, to some people; whereas others will simply take the same news in stride. How well you know them is the key to answering this question.
2007-03-15 15:42:48 · answer #8 · answered by quantumclaustrophobe 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Always be honest. Dont ever go out of your way to be honest if you think its going to be painful, but wtf would you lie for?
Here is an example. My super girlfriend whom I adore askes me if she is the best sex partner I have had. Now the fact is she isnt, but, she is great and thats what I had to say.
I myself cant stand people who wont level with you on the tough stuff. I feel if you ask, you must want to truth or dont ask.
2007-03-15 15:46:37 · answer #9 · answered by orderless1 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you must always be honest, especially to those you love. however you do not have to be brutally honest or offer up info. for which you were never asked. but if they ask you should answer honestly. "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind"
2007-03-15 15:46:58 · answer #10 · answered by schlagelmeister 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋