How to not get offended by a blunt friend
Friends can be a person's best resource for honest advice about any number of personal issues. From appearance and annoying habits to buying a home or a serious health problem, friends can be great to have around for support. However, what can a person do if their friend is not tactful with their advice? Here are a few ideas on how to not get offended by a blunt friend.
Look at the Friend's Background
Sometimes the easiest way to not be offended by a blunt friend is look at their background. If a friend grew up in the country or working in an auto shop, they may not even know that they are being blunt about things. One way to get to know a friend is to go with the friend to visit their family. It will be obvious why a friend is blunt once a person has seen their friend interact with family. This can be helpful because instead of worrying that their friend is being disrespectful or mean by being blunt, a person can simply look at the advice given and be grateful to their friend.
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Be Honest with Friend
Sometimes friends do not recognize when their bluntness has offended someone. A person who is consistently offended by a blunt friend may consider sitting down with their friend and expressing their concern. This will open up communication instead of cause the offended person to become bitter or angry. Hopefully, the offended person will be able to express how their friend's bluntness offends them, and the blunt friend will be able understand where their friend is coming from.
One thing an offended person may do is kindly and calmly point out instances when their friend's bluntness has offended them. However, a person should not stop there. They may also explain to their blunt friend how something could have been said in a less offensive way. This should be done maturely and never in a condescending way.
Trust the Friend has Best Interest at Heart
Many times a blunt friend is not trying to be offensive, but is rather honestly trying to help. People who find themselves offended by a blunt friend should trust that their friend has their best interest at heart. If the friend is always blunt to everyone, it is likely that they are not trying to be offensive. A person can try and filter out the message from the rough delivery and grasp their friend's advice. However, if a person notices that a friend is only blunt with them, this may be a sign that they need to talk about their feelings.
Friendship can be a very strong bond between two or more people. Many groups of friends have one person that is a little rough around the edges. It is usually this person that will be blunter when offering advice or suggestions. Friends should try hard to avoid being offended by a blunt suggestion. They can look at their friend's background, open up a dialog about the bluntness with their friend, or simply trust that their blunt friend has their best interest at heart. Unless it is blatantly discovered that a friend is trying to be offensive, bluntness is not cause to end a friendship, but rather an opportunity for a friendship to grow.
