10 Comments
User's avatar
Barbara Wirth's avatar

Growing up we learned manners. We didn't want to hurt someone's feelings if we felt the truth would hurt. So we kept things inside. If someone slights us I think we are somewhat shocked by what they are saying and it causes us to be quiet while we think about what was said and how we want to react. The moment may have passed where we could have responded.

Expand full comment
Marylee Pangman, Author's avatar

You’re so right, Barbara! Well described.

Expand full comment
Data Frank's avatar

What struck me here is how silence shows up in both ordinary slights and our deepest relationships, shaping us in ways we rarely admit

How do we learn to tell which silences protect us and which ones quietly cost us too much?

Expand full comment
Marylee Pangman, Author's avatar

Practice? Feeling and seeing the results? Each instance can be so different.

Expand full comment
Data Frank's avatar

Makes sense

Afterall, we only learn by doing

Expand full comment
Susan Glasmann's avatar

Your insights are remarkably on target. Life’s lessons learned shared with others. Thanks!

Expand full comment
Marylee Pangman, Author's avatar

Thanks Susan! I appreciate your comment and support!!

Expand full comment
Julian Kennedy's avatar

Val’s POV resonated so hard with my experiences when I was young. That’s the journey I’m on now as an adult, knowing when politeness serves me and when it serves me to set a boundary

Expand full comment
Marylee Pangman, Author's avatar

Julian, I hope that seeing yourself in the story is helpful. I feel that we often have to pause as we decide if we’re going to say what is really on our mind. Thank you for your comment.

Expand full comment
Julian Kennedy's avatar

No problem!!

Expand full comment