Is it alright to tell a friend that...
@maui_gomez_lim (1017)
Philippines
September 15, 2009 10:57am CST
Is it ok to tell a friend that most of your common friend abhor her attitude? I'm having a dilemma whether or not I should tell her that almost everyone are starting to despise her. I know it's not right to talk behind her back but we can't help it. Need your advise
2 responses
@rosdimy (3926)
• Malaysia
16 Sep 09
In the interest of your friend she should be informed. Otherwise she may not understand why her friends are starting to avoid her. She may think that she has been slandered, or other assumptions get into her mind, other than the possibility that part of the fault is on her side.
There have been several approaches toward this problem.
1) Individual direct approach. In this situation the person is taken to a quiet place, and told everything. This method may or may not work. The person may be grateful, and try to change or modify the offending attitude. On the other hand the person may become defensive.
2) Group direct approach. Several friends have a talk with the person, spilling out their feelings. The possible results are as (1), but in a worst case scenario the person may think everyone is out to get him/her. This can make the person becomes worse.
3) Individual soft approach. The person should be handled by one person, to avoid any conflicting or unnecessary repetitive actions, and to make it easier to gauge any change or shift in attitude.
4) Counselling approach. The basic framework is the asking of questions to the person, to make him/her think about the possible reaction to certain actions done by him/her. This method is better, because the person involved would probably not feel pressurised to accommodate the feelings of other people.
Personally I would choose the fourth choice. Nevertheless you know her well, so the decision to pick which technique should be yours.
@sblossom (2168)
•
15 Sep 09
i understand your feeling. it's really difficult to dicide.
if i were you i think i would tell her a little and to see her action. if she realized it, something maybe change.
anyway you also can keep silent. it's a kind of protection to your friend. if you know your friend very well you will find the direction.
last not least, if you don't know what will happen or you are not sure what will happen, better to keep silent.