Stop Talking Yourself Out of Progress

Let go of overthinking and realize that moving forward isn’t as daunting as it seems.

True consideration entails prioritizing honesty over feelings—both yours and those of others. While this may seem counterintuitive, allow me to clarify. By being truthful, you treat the other person as an adult capable of handling tough conversations. This approach differs in interactions with children, but here, I focus on adult relationships.

In the past, I believed I was being considerate by withholding my true feelings. Upon reflection, I see this as a form of manipulation. Often, my desire to avoid upsetting someone stemmed from my own fears—fear of their reaction, guilt, or becoming a target. Such assumptions about another's emotional resilience are misguided and can lead to long-term regrets.

The manner in which you communicate is equally important. Approaching someone respectfully can lead to more constructive conversations, while a confrontational attitude may provoke defensiveness. Recently, my partner and I have embraced total honesty about our feelings, which has been incredibly liberating for both of us.

Do It Regardless of Your Emotions

It’s crucial to recognize that you are not responsible for managing others' feelings after sharing your thoughts, be they positive or negative. This is a lesson often overlooked in both childhood and adulthood. In our current society, there's a tendency to focus excessively on emotional appeasement.

Understanding that feelings are transient is essential. What someone appreciates today may change tomorrow. Moreover, failing to confront emotions can hinder personal development and emotional regulation. It is vital to teach children how to express their emotions healthily, rather than allowing them to believe that emotional outbursts are acceptable.

People-Pleasing Can Be Detrimental

People often prefer the truth, even if it stings. The adage "The truth shall set you free" holds significant weight. Personally, I find coddling unappealing; it implies that others view me as too sensitive to handle honesty. I also wish to avoid being the person others hesitate to approach due to unpredictability in my reactions.

The reality is that no one can accurately predict another's emotional responses, making it impractical to take responsibility for others' feelings. Managing your emotions is essential, but it does not mean suppressing them. All feelings—be it anger, sadness, or joy—are valid and should be acknowledged.

Instead, focus on finding healthy outlets for challenging emotions. Activities such as exercising, journaling, walking, or even blogging can be effective ways to process feelings. The key is to explore various methods and discover what works best for you.

Don't Let Your Ego Undermine You

Be mindful not to let your emotions dictate your actions without considering potential outcomes.

I hope this reflection has been insightful or thought-provoking. Thank you for taking the time to read, and I look forward to sharing more in my next post!