Better left unsaid...

I agree with you wholeheartedly, grace! If I have to tell someone something that I know they will not like to hear or something that will upset them, I try to say it with as much compassion and understanding as I can. I also stick around to be their shoulder to cry on or strength to hold them up. There was a time in my life when I needed someone to be there for me and there was no one. It was such a horrible loneliness and I don't want anyone else to have to go through that! I try to be there for people who need a friend, strength or just a kind word. I've recently fallen victim of someone who has been saying awful things about me because I had to walk away from her situation. I told her I had to get away from the situation as kindly and gently as possible. Unfortunately, she seems to think that I've stabbed her in the back for abandoning her. But we were not good friends, she never offered me any kindness in return for my kindness. I tried to help but she did not want my help, even though she had asked for it. I can't handle a person like that. It is just so frustrating when you want to help someone who asks for help but won't use that help to get back up on their feet... someone who complains and asks for advice but never takes any advice given to her. It hurts me too much to be around that. Anyone would want to leave a situation like that! But, I know that her words are hurting me and she doesn't care! I've tried to be kind to her even after she has said these hurtful things but it does no good. Wouldn't you want to leave a situation like this? I would never want to put anyone through that so I will not say unkind things to her or about her, or to anyone else for that matter. Unkind words do nothing but hurt. I used to think that something as simple as a smile could brighten up anyone's day even if they were lifted just a little for only a moment. I will continue to do that even though I know it does not always help. There is a line from the movie, Bambi, where Thumper, as a baby rabbit, said "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all." I've taken those words to heart and live by them every day.

kind words uplifts the spirit. But we should always remember that there is a time to say something and a time to keep silent. If silence will help then so be it. we could criticize but at least let's be constructive. Happy mylotting.