Serious content alert. A while back, I posted a Tweet that essentially asked the question of, “When does being candid cross the line into self-indulgent insensitivity?” Now, before I proceed, let me say that there is a very big difference between insensitivity and out-of-control political correctness. There are some people who will take offense at the drop of a hat and others who actively seek offense when none is intended. In other cases, phrases or expressions that were once considered okay fall out of general favor without everyone getting the memo. Are we all on the same sheet of music with this? The fact is that we can inadvertently hurt someone’s feelings and unless it is brought to our attention, we probably won’t realize it.

Sadly, we can also be in a situation where a friend sets upon a distressing path and is blinded to it for whatever reason. As a friend, you may well choose not to point this out, be supportive and hope that everything will be resolved without intervention. In some cases, the friend may ask for a level of candor that allows you to express your misgivings without being the one to initiate a painful discussion. In other cases, the situation may become such that you no longer feel that you can stay silent. In those instances, it becomes your choice because the odds are that in speaking out, the recipient will have a very different view, quite probably become angry, and perhaps break the friendship with you cast in the role of villain. Careful thought must go into a decision like this and once you express your view, there won’t be any taking it back. Are you certain of your own perception? Are you certain of your own motivation? Are you willing to have the friendship withdrawn and realize that your candor may well have zero impact on the situation? I hope that you don’t ever have to make a decision of this nature, yet in the realm of human relationships, you might face such a choice.