It is often said that people should keep to only their own business and tell people what they want to hear to avoid conflicts in relationships. However, I believe that even if unexpected consequences or misunderstandings could happen, people should speak up frankly for two reasons: people need to speak up for each other’s well-being, and this can strengthen the relationship in the long run.
To begin with, it is good for me and my friend to speak up frankly for our happiness even if it is not the nicest melodies to their ears. It is obvious that true friends are not afraid t sep up and do the dirty job of saying what needs to be said in order to save a friend from unnecessary hardship and unhappiness. For example, my high school friend Harang Park and I went to a party together. After the party, he insisted on driving home drunk, so I suggested that he should take a bus or taxi to get home. Although he got upset for sticking my nose into his business, I did not give up because I do not want to him run into trouble. Finally, he took my advice and got home without any problem, but some other friends received a DUI.
In addition, not being afraid to say what needs to be said can promote a stronger relationship in the long term. At the moment, it is able to make me upset or disappoint that my friend suggests some advices to me, but I will appreciate it later when I realize it was done for me. For example, when I was high school student, I decide to do some part-time job instead study at school because my grade always terrible. At that time, one of my friends Jaekuang Yoon provides a lot of information of part-time job and recommends some of them. On the other hand, the other friend, Dahyun Kang warned and advised me to not do it. At first, I hated Dahyun and thinking that he was not being a good friend. However, with more reflection, I listened to Dahyun and did not give up study. Today, I regard Dahyun as a truer friend than Jaekuang.
In brief, sometimes, people are told they do not want to hear, because friends care for each other and relationships are strengthened. As the saying goes, “ a good medicine tastes bitter,” and people who are frank are better than people who give flattery. |