What part of "think before you speak" don't so-called blunt, honest people understand?

Question

What part of "think before you speak" don't so-called blunt, honest people understand?

Answer 1

They don't understand that it applies to them.

Answer 2

What part of "Don't ask if your not gonna like the answer" don't you sensitive people understand?

Answer 3

A lot of times, blunt, honest people are just "un- caring"  and most of all,  show absolutely no tact when responding.

Answer 4

I am a blunt honest person...part of being blunt is telling the truth whether or not it is going to hurt someones feelings....what is there to think about when it is the truth...maybe it will make some j*ck*ss think about themselves when they hear what everyone already sees....

Answer 5

The people you are talking about are not blunt and honest, but rude... because I am sure that those are the very people who give unsolicited advice and comments... there is nothing wrong with being blunt or honest as long as it is not uncalled for ... for example if a friend asks my advice I will be honest and blunt, but not hurtful or rude, however I will not make comments when something is not my affair

Answer 6

I totally understand. I don't know what someone said to make you write this question, but I have had many experiences with this issue. I think some people just talk too much and find it hard to think before they speak. They think and speak at the same time, so stuff just spills out before they have time to decide whether or not it was a good idea to share that information. Like sometimes people will come up to me and say "Why are you so quiet?" I mean, come on! That's not exactly a compliment, and what do they expect me to say?! This also leads to "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all". People really need to remember these simple rules of etiquette. And the bad part is, they don't usually get in trouble for it! Grrr...

Answer 7

Agreed.

The mantra these days is something like "I have a right to speak"

Truth is, while that may in some measure be true, at least in the West. not everyone has a right to be heard, and it is up to the listener to decide this.

Blunt honesty is often an excuse for rudeness, and I have no time for it myself.  I try to measure what I say, and sometimes honesty can be used as a weapon, meant to hurt, rather than as something that brings people together or seeks to resolve a situation.  

Considering before we speak is remarkably rare, and there are many of us who often mouth off without thinking.  It is not that we should lie, but most messages, especiially those that are critical or negative, benefit from timing and re-wording.  Sometimes a change of messenger helps too.

Hope this helps.

EDIT:

There are a number f people here who have claimed that they are blunt, and that this characteristic is the salve to those who cannot take hints,  This is indeed tru at certain junctures, but I still make the claim that many people who are characterised as "abrasive" and "no respector of persons" are indeed going beyond necessary truth into judgementalism or self-appointed guardianship.  I firmly believe that certain truths need to be aired by the right person with the right attitude: the messenger can indeed make or destroy a message by how they deliver it..

Answer 8

There is a difference between being blunt, and speaking the truth. You can be honest and speak the truth, while still taking care not to offend anyone, cause a scene or embarrassment, or hurt anyone's feelings. People who are "blunt" tend to, in my experience, enjoy making people uncomfortable as a way of feeling superior. People feel that since they do, technically, have a right to speak, that no one has a right to be offended. It's unfortunate, but if no one calls them on their behaviour, they will continue to do it. When you find yourself around one of those people, either meet their remark with silence, change the subject, or talk to them privately - engaging in verbal warfare will only render you a "blunt" person too.

Answer 9

Oh wait, I think you got it wrong. The problem isn't "thinking". Ask yourself if the so-called blunt, honest people would like to take back what they said if they could. I think the answer is no, they would not take it back. They thought, then they spoke anyway.  

Answer 10

I say what I want.  I don't care what anyone thinks of it.  If they don't like it, then they don't have to listen.

Answer 11

Bluntness has its place in this world.  Some people do not take hints.

I am white and a co-worker used racial slurs.  I mentioned I have nieces and nephues in my family, that were Black and Mexican, but he did not get the hint.  So I had to be blunt and told him he was an ***.  I said if he did not stop I would report him.  He requested not to work with me.   But I am sure there are times people might have a bad day, and open their big mouth.  Some people can be too honest, and some feelings may get hurt.  I do not think you can stop it.  Hopefully the person has friends they can talk to and get over it.  As for the honest people,  if no positive out come will come from your honesty why say it.

Answer 12

The part of "think before you speak" is the word THINK which they don't understand, or care to understand.