2/25/2015:
In discussing a situation in which I was fervently adamant and outspoken , a friend likened my actions to those of a “bull in a china shop” and said “people don’t like getting their china broken.” I replied, “I didn’t realize in this situation that I was among individuals with such fragile china that they would feel the need to be protected from me.” My friend laughed, then told me that the specific group about which we were speaking was quite full of fragile people. Scary thought…….(considering the influence they’re granted over people with as much standing as they themselves presume to wield….And some in that group had the audacity to say I lack discretion and self-awareness! I’m self-aware enough; I just don’t have much patience with happy face masks or bullying demeanors that disguise hidden agendas or lies, whether by commission of omission. It’s even more egregious when the lies are known to be exactly that.)
Another friend observed, “That’s what I like about you!!!”
I said to them, “You know, I have this friend who makes beautiful art pieces out of broken china…..and I know Someone else who makes broken things themselves beautiful……I am not afraid of broken china.” Or of having to break some occasionally….to expose who’s all wrapped up in protecting pretentious appearances.
If your ego identity is that fragile, if you’re that conflict avoidant, that insecure about your own positions, or that protective of your own appearances over being real with people, I’ll spring for a roll of bubble wrap for you so we can stay at the table and talk it out and clear the air. Get real. Tell the truth. If you think you’re protecting me by hiding your real opinion, spare me your “kindness”. I’d rather be slain by truth than spared by lies.