A good friend can tell you what is the matter with you in a minute. He may not seem such a good friend after telling.
-- Arthur Brisbane, 'The Book of Today'
How true. Most people like to think that they are mature enough to accept criticism, but how often have we found ourself getting angry at the people who are dearest to us simply because the we don't like the stuff that they are saying? Admittedly it takes a lot to be objective about criticism directed at us, especially if they are from the people who are within the little circle we like to call friends. (Here, I use the term 'friend' to mean someone who is close enough to you for you to confide in and not just the loose meaning of just any other classmate or acquaintance.)
In fact, this probably sums it up best:
-- Franklin P. Jones
- Honest criticism is hard to take, particularly from a relative, a friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger.
I think the most important thing for everyone, if we are to truly benefit from having the people around us be honest to us (because this is really a rare thing nowadays), is to always be aware of your own thoughts and emotions. Before pandering to the instinctive urge of getting angry and feeling that familiar surge of indignance, we need to know that that is what is happening to us. In doing so, we take a step back to think first before reacting. I know, it all sounds so simple but the truth is that in reality it is extremely hard to do, even for someone who is preaching it. (Not that I profess to preach it, but I digress.)
But hey, if it could potentially save a 10-year-long friendship (or a relationship with a 10-year-long potential) from going awry -- it's at least worth attempting right?
