Honesty

I have always put great faith in open communication. I don't always practice it myself but i have learnt, many years ago, at great cost, what happens when I keep things to myself.

So nowadays, I bite the bullet and try to express myself as plainly as I can without getting emotional. It's a difficult process for me cos I'm an introvert by nature and suffer from some self-esteem issues but most times I find the benefits far outweigh the discomfort especially if I value the friendship of the other person highly enough. Since it's an open discussion I try not to get emotional about the responses. It only clouds the issue. There's always the risk that feelings get hurt but at least issues get thrashed out. So I encourage everyone out there, when someone asks you, (whether genuinely out of concern or just being polite)

"Are you all right?", "Is there something wrong?" or "Is there something you want say?"
Let it all out:

"No, You Wanker! I'm having a bad day, so shut up and let me enjoy it!"

"Yes, you annoying little person. Would you kindly stop walking around in your underwear? I find it highly disturbing. Thank You."

"YOU!! AGAIN!! Why are you always here???!! Stop crowding my personal space!! And give me back my stapler!!"

"F*** OFF!! F*** OFF!! I HATE YOU!!! GO TAKE A PISS AND F*** OFF!!!"

Go ahead. Have a catharsis.

And they say I'm not NICE to other people.