Offering your opinion to friends
By chadd_atl
@chadd_atl (288)
United States
February 22, 2007 4:24pm CST
A close friend asks - and genuinely wants - your opinion about something, but your opinion is one that he is likely to find quite painful. For example, your friend is an artist and asks your honest estimate or his changes of begin successful. You think he is an atrocious artist who hasn't the slightest change of success. What would you do?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@charmedbrianna (77)
• United States
22 Feb 07
Tell them the truth as gently as I can. Being dishonest with them is a much worse disservice and can eventually threaten your friendship. I expect the truth from my friends and loved ones. I would rather hear it from someone who I know has my best interest at heart and truly cares about me, then to hear it from enemies or competition...or worse critics. The world can be harsh and uncaring...no one wants to be set up for even more of a dissapointment because all their friends told them they have talent. Extremely talented people still don't make it in the business because they can't handle criticism. And here is the thing...everyone has an opinion and everyone has a different judgement of what talent is and what art is. Remind your friend of that because if he wants to do this...he will face a lot of criticism and rejection. Its better that he hear it from a friend first.
@sierramist (12)
• United States
22 Feb 07
I believe one should always be honest with his/her friends. Others have already said to tell him your opinion in a tactful way. I agree with that.
I also think it might be wise to say something to the effect of you don't like his art, but that it is your opinion and other people might love it. People's experience of art varies so much that just because one person thinks it is not good, doesn't mean everyone will. Each person is entitled to his/her own opinion.
So, I'd say be honest, tactful, and remind him that your opinion is only that, an opinion, and it may not represent how everyone feels about his art.
@devinitly (93)
• United States
22 Feb 07
i think , as a friend, you should be honest but not cruel. If your friend and yourself have been close for some time then they would only want your true honest opinion. Myself, i would want them to be honest to me. if a friend becomes offended then maybe you should think about how good of friends were you really? talk about it andbe supportive.
@michelledarcy (5220)
•
22 Feb 07
I think you need to give your opionion but be tactful about it. Maybe say that it would be better for him to do it part time or at the weekends when starting out to see whether his particular style would be popular as he hasn't tried to sell any of his work yet.
@mssnow (9484)
• United States
22 Feb 07
I would just ask him if he likes it and if he does thats all that matters. I would also not judge him because maybe someone Else out there might love his work. Just because I don't doesn't mean someone else wouldn't. I would tell him if he likes what he is doing then keep doing it and don't worry about what others think about him.
