If the relationship is strong, you can say anything. If the relationship is weak, there is nothing you can say.

You have likely been given the advice, “Choose your words wisely” and “It’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.” This is useful advice.

However, consider these 2 situations…

Have you ever been in a situation where it seemed like no matter what words you used or how you said those words, the other person had a problem with it?

or

Have you ever been in a situation where you struggled to articulate what you were feeling/thinking but the other person was receptive and found a way to understand you?

When someone holds you in high regard, they tend to see through your imperfections and understand that your delivery may not be the best but believes your intentions are pure.

What someone believes about you dictates what they see from you. “Seeing is not believing… believing is seeing.”

Next time, you find yourself in the first situation, consider asking yourself, is it possible that there is something in our relationship that needs healing?

It’s not what you say. It’s not how you say it. It’s the relationship.