what does it mean by "you have to be cruel to be kind"?

Answer 1

That sometimes you have to be mean to spare someones feelings. Here is an exampe. When I was dating my husband, we had a long distance relationship. He would come and see me when he had time off. Well he lived over an hour away and always worked. Well it was hurting me, I wanted to see him more and be with him, but he just couldn't. And it was hurting him that he hurt me. Well he was thinking of breaking up with me. This would have killed me, would have hurt so badly and would have hurt him too. But he would have done it because it would have been better for me in the end, i wouldn't miss him so much then. Thank goodness we moved in together shortly there after.

Answer 2

"Does this skirt make my butt look fat?"
"Yes, it does. Go find something else to wear."

What it usually means is that you have to be honest to be kind. A real friend will tell you the truth, even if it hurts your feelings, if they think it will help prevent you from having your feelings hurt, or worse, later on.

The best way you can help someone is to be painfully honest with them. For example, some of the early entries in American Idol probably had friends who told them, "Sure, your singing is great. You could make a living it at it." just to be nice. As a result, they got on television and turned out that they really, really sucked and got humiliated in front of the entire country. A little cruel honesty up front could have prevented that.

Answer 3

I think it applies to Simon Cowell. If he weren't "cruel," there would be more horrible singers out there besides the Simpson sisters, Paula Abdul, Kelly Clarkston and others. Its a "kindness" on his part to berate these people so they don't make those screeching sounds.

Answer 4

I'll tell you a little story about a dying (street) dog which was severely ill, no one could help or feed as it was looking horrible.
You would have heard about Mahatma Gandhi who was a great person with kind heart couldn't see the dog suffering, request one of his helpers to feed the dog with poisoned food, so the dog will be free from everything.

Answer 5

EXample: your child is begging and crying for candy. but you say NO because the child has already had enough sugar for one day, and it would be harmful too let the child have more.

Basically, doing something for someone's own good, even if that person thinks you are being mean.

Answer 6

Sometimes you have to be blunt with people to help them. I say one should use this as a last resort because it is usually better to be honest yet considerate with one's response.

Answer 7

hi,
it means that sometimes the truth hurts but you are telling the truth even though you know that you are hurting them. you are being a friend.

Answer 8

wish i knew

Answer 9

poop