I've heard this advice at various times throughout my life, and in most cases I have tried to heed it. I have always understood the word "good" in this context to mean "nice." But, last night I realized there can be another interpretation of this advice as well. When we speak (or write!) we should strive to ensure that our words have value and meaning.
I had a few ideas of topics for this post, but I lacked the energy to develop them fully this week. Rather than waste your time reading something that is not "good," today I am simply going to share this quote and wish you a happy weekend.
And I'll leave you with this thought: Think how much better we would all get along if we all only ever said things that are "good."
Do you agree with this advice?
Oh, Susan I hear you. I salute you for providing the wonderful graphic and leaving it at that. Sometimes there are no words. When I was about 12 I was visiting Stanley Park with my pal and her mom. Have to say I was a bit of a brat then - always going for the laugh. Mrs. H picked up on that and sharply rebuked me with a "If you can't say anything good, say nothing at all." Man did that sting. But I got it. We retired to the grass near the aquarium for lunch and I was very quiet. Then I spied some jazzy boots on an elderly lady and heard myself pipe up "Now there's a lovely pair." Mrs. H burst out laughing and gave me a hug. Years later, decades in fact I ran into her at a party. She gave me another hug and said "I've never forgotten your comment about the boots..." And I've never forgotten her wise words.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend, pal.
I love this story Kelly. It also makes me realize just what an impact our words can have on another person. A good reason to choose them wisely. I hope you are enjoying the holiday season!
DeleteAs you know I am a diy blogger. I try to create something out of junk most of the time. I upload my projects on a site that some of the visitors there certainly do not care for your suggestion. In fact they can be downright mean. Now I certainly don't mind constructive criticism. That is a good thing because it helps us to better ourselves, but to have to read negativity serves no purpose at all. So I guess what I'm trying to say is that there is always a better way of saying something. You can either help or hurt with your words. Have a great Sunday.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear you have gotten negative comments on your projects Mary ... everything I have seen of yours has been worthy of nothing but praise!!
DeleteMy mum often told us "if you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all", but in direct contrast to that she herself was one of the biggest gossips I knew.
ReplyDeleteA case of "do as I say, not as I do" perhaps?
DeleteI agree especially on Social media. I think to many people are just lying in wait for someone to say things just to jump all over them. I read the posts and if I don't like it or agree I just move on. I think its a lot easier that way.
ReplyDeleteYou have the right philosophy, Rena. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but sometimes we should refrain from sharing it, when it is hurtful!
DeleteYes and no. If you are asked for comment, and have reservations explain them honestly but gently. If you weren't asked and have nothing nice to say, keep quiet.
ReplyDeleteIf you are speaking "honestly but gently" EC, I think that still counts as "something good to say" - even if it is constructive criticism. THanks for pointing this out.
DeleteSo true Susan! Most of the time, people don't really want our opinion anyway. Hope you had a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteYour are right, Lana - my husband would be quick to point out that when I ask his opinion on something, I often don't really want him to say what he thinks - but just to agree with me! ;)
DeleteTrue on both counts...don't say anything hurtful/harmful and make sure your comments have value. I just passed a blog post before yours that was so over my head I decided not to comment because I had nothing worthwhile to contribute. Next post I hit....yours. Karma.
ReplyDeleteAnd your comment just made my day! So glad to hear that I wrote something that was what you needed to read at the time, Delores! I have spent very little time on my computer this month, but I am looking forward to heading to your blog today and gettting caught up!
DeleteThat's one of my mantras. I think that people should follow it a little more than they do that's for sure. I've always told the kids that over and over. Now they laugh about it.
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