Having the ability to be honest and straightforward in your dealings with others is an excellent trait to have. If you can do this, you’ll find that being a friend is much easier. You’ll also be able to make sure that you don’t let things slide, which can help your relationship with your friends and co-workers.
Balance your candor with respect and thoughtfulness
Having a healthy dose of candor may be the secret to saving your relationship. It is the best way to ensure that both of you can continue to improve your lives together. Whether it is the best friends you’ve known since high school or the partner who has been by your side through the ups and downs of marriage, candor is the one thing you can count on to keep the spark alive. It’s not just about giving you something to talk about, it’s about making sure you feel loved and cared for.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to tack on a little gratitude and appreciation to boot. While it’s not as easy as slapping a smile on your face, it’s the best way to let the other person know you care.
Ask questions
Whether you are getting to know someone for the first time, or if you want to learn more about your current friend, asking questions can be a great way to get to know them better. It can also strengthen your friendship.
Some of the best questions are open-ended and allow you to respond in a way that reflects your feelings about the other person. You can ask something as simple as “How do you feel about me?” You can also ask more complex questions like “What does it mean to you to be my friend?” This can be a very effective way to understand the other person and build a deeper relationship.
The key to being successful with this type of question is to be honest. Don’t be afraid to tell your friend what you think about their actions, or to let them know that they are wrong. But be careful not to be too abrasive. Otherwise, you may make them feel bad and upset.
Reignite it in
Having a blunt and honest friend can reduce uncertainty in your relationship. Being honest means that you tell your friends exactly what they need to know, not just what you think they want to hear. They don’t hold grudges for long, and they don’t tell lies to spare their feelings. They can forgive misdeeds and push you to achieve your goals. They aren’t cruel, but they aren’t afraid to tell you what you need to hear.
When you have a blunt friend, you don’t have to worry about getting hurt or feeling as if your feelings are being ignored. You can be honest about how you feel, and you can forgive your friend for misdeeds. You can also apologize for misdeeds without hurting their feelings.
