ARE YOU BLUNT ?

I am posting this quote because I have been guilty of blunt assertions many times which got me into trouble and I lost some good friends. I hope this quote will help me change. You may find it useful too!

“I made it a rule to forbear all direct contradiction to the sentiments of others and all positive assertions of my own. I even forbid myself the use of every word or expression in the language which imported a fixed opinion such as “certainly, “ “undoubtedly” etc. and I adopted instead of them, “I conceive,” “ I apprehend,” or “I imagine,” or “it appears to me at present.”

When another asserted something that I thought an error, I denied myself the pleasure of contradicting him abruptly and of showing immediately some absurdity in his proposition; and in answering I began by observing that in certain cases or circumstances his opinion would be right, but in the present case there appeared or seemed to be some difference etc.

I soon found the advantage of this change in my manner; the conversation I engaged in went on more pleasantly. The modest way in which I proposed my opinions procures them a readier reception and less contradictions.”

( BENJAMIN FRANKLIN )