4 occasions you should keep quiet!

It’s been said that it takes a long time to develop a good reputation but only seconds to destroy it. That can happen when we say the wrong thing at the wrong time. Whether it’s in person, on the phone, via email, or on social media, there are some times when it’s better to keep your thoughts to yourself.

When your friend wants to have the last word

This is when your friend “knows” he or she is right and they clearly want to have the last word. Let them. Unless they are going to do lasting harm to themselves or someone else, tell yourself, “This is the time to just keep my thoughts to myself.” If you do, both of you will be happy and the friendship will stay intact.

When your emotions are running high

One thing we all have in common is we have “buttons” that others can find and push. For some people, they feel they are being criticized. You cannot get the words back after they have left your mouth and if you put it on the internet you might regret it forever. Consider that and you just might decide it’s time to keep your thoughts to yourself.

When someone has not asked for your advice

Just because someone has shared a problem with you does not mean they want your advice. This is particularly true with social media. If you really care about the person and want to give them advice, pick up the phone and call them, don’t take your personal business to social media. If you call them, ask them if they want your advice before you jump in. You will rarely go wrong keeping your advice to yourself when it’s not solicited so think twice before giving it.

When it’s not positive

“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say it.” Be known as the person who lifts others up rather than the person who can see someone’s faults and failures. Let others do the criticizing while you be the person who knows it better to keep some things to yourself.