Some people may think that people should keep to his own business and tell something that they want to hear to prevent conflicts between friends; however, others may think that they should not. Although both sides have its advantages and disadvantages, I believe that even if the unexpected consequences or misunderstandings could happen, we should tell what should be to be said. There are many reasons but the most essential ones are as follows. First, people need to speak up for the one's sake of benefits. Second, this might help to strengthen the friendship in the long run.
To begin with, we should speak up frankly for our friends' sake of happiness and wellbeing instead of being friendly at the moment. People usually have a tendency to like others who tell the loveliest melody to their ears. However, true friends are not afraid to tell harsh things and this would make a contribution to instruct them in the right direction. Coming from my personal experience, Jerry, one of my best high school mates, fell in behind classes since she began to shirk and lie down on his works or assignments. During this period, we had to prepare national college entrance exam in Korea which is definitely important for us determine a future career. As a best friend of him, I could not let her ruin her final year and told her what she did not appreciate. However, I finally got some senses into him and he was also thankful for the advice I gave. Also, he found his talent for business and got a great opportunity to major in Business Administration in depth. In this regard, even if it is the harsh things that you would say to your friends, you should spit it out in order to guide your friends in the right way.
On top of that, by speaking up frankly, we can reinforce our relationship in the long run. This is because although any criticism or disapproval might disappoint or irritate your friends at the moment, true friends would understand that only someone who genuinely care can give me such a harsh advice and confirm their true friendship. Take my friend, Sarah, for instance, she loved to go out to parties and hang out with their friends all over the night. She asked me to cover up for the fact that she could not fully concentrate on her academic pursuit and even to tell her father that she did her best to follow the classes since her father was absolutely strict on her lifestyle. However, when I said no and turned back to her, she asked another of her friend to do so. She and I felt alienated for a while, but I consistently persuaded her to focus on academic pursuit rather than just enjoying parties. After a series of failure in her job interviews, she consequently acknowledged that I advised her with a cordial mind and we were able to strengthen our friendship. We still keeps in contact with each other. In conclusion, through a harsh advice which our friends would not appreciate, we can instruct our friends in the right direction and maintain our relationship in the long run. |