SAY WHAT YOU MEAN
I was having lunch with a good friend the other day and we
were remarking that there is a serious lack of people that we know that
actually say what they mean. I mean really say it. I mentioned to him that I knew a guy
back in university that used to do just that and it would make me literally
hide under the table when he was that honest with people. He didn’t sugar coat,
he didn’t mince, he just said exactly what he meant even if it didn’t sit well
with its recipients. If a person said to him, 'good seeing you, we should
exchange numbers and get together,' he would look at them and tell them
(relatively politely, but very matter of fact) that he didn’t think so as he
had no intention of calling them. Trust me, this was always followed by a
significant silence.
As much as one could judge this person for being too honest,
or too brash with his delivery, in essence he was simply doing what people just
don’t do anymore. He was saying exactly what he meant. These days, an honest
answer or a frank conversation is hard to come by. Often it’s mired in
politeness or political correctness, or even sheer laziness – ‘seriously, can’t
you tell her that she’s nuts?? I don’t have time!’
Even our colloquial speech is riddled with non-direct,
misleading, non-specific phrases that really don’t say what we mean (or mean
what we say). ‘I’ll be there in a minute.” Really? Will you? Cause I know that
when I tell the King he can go outside in a minute when it’s 6am I definitely
don’t mean it (‘soon’ just never cuts it with him). Or what about when you tell
someone they look great and they don’t, or you love their haircut (but are
really trying to figure out how they left the house without a bag on their
head). You’re just being polite or sparing them from your real thoughts, which
are usually,' you look tired and damn you’ve aged since I last saw you' (of
course there are many times when they do look great, but we’re not talking
about that now are we?). But you wouldn’t say that cause it’s just rude. Then
again, the fact that we’re all walking around not saying what we really mean –
at times – is also pretty rude and deceptive if you really think about it.
Back to this friend and I, we have a pretty honest
relationship, and he will happily – or not so happily – tell you that with him I can
often be too honest. I tell him when he’s wearing an outfit that will never get
him a woman, or when I think he needs to cut his hair, or when he’s being
dysfunctional (this speaks from experience) and needs to sort it out. I’m sure
he’s thrilled to have me in his life. But I will happily admit that he’s one of
the most refreshing friendships I have based on the fact that I can always tell
him what’s on my mind. And for the most part, I try to seek out people that can
handle the truth. Those that cannot take a lot of energy and handholding, I can
tell you that much.
So I dare you; this week, try it. I will too in fact, cause
I’m certainly very guilty of playing the diplomat and choosing the path of
least resistance when it comes to communication. Every time you speak to
someone this week, say what you mean. What you mean exactly. Don’t sugar coat
it, if it doesn’t need to be. Obviously don’t get punched in the mouth by
telling the wrong person your opinion but just try to speak from a place of
genuine honesty. Even if you feel like telling the bank teller that you wish
she would not talk so much to the other customers when the line is half a mile
long.
You know, be Larry David (if you’re not a fan, GET on board
already) for the week. I have a feeling he feels unencumbered and pretty damn liberated most
of the time.
HAPPY MONDAY all.