WHEN TO PUSH BACK

One of our members asked in our Facebook group something to the effect, “When do you finally speak up or push back?”

I thought I would share with you what I do.

I finally speak up:

1. When I feel I’m being seriously violated in some way… when my boundaries are being crossed or my space is being invaded or my dignity is being attacked or my integrity is being questioned, etcetera etcetera etcetera. I say “seriously” because often I can endure slight trespasses. But I won’t endure serious ones. I have sometimes wondered if that’s what was meant by “turning the other cheek”. A cheek isn’t serious. But I’m not going to let somebody take my second eye when they took my first one.

2. When I feel someone else is being violated in some way and I can defend them… pretty much a repeat of the above.

3. When I feel my response will benefit the conversation at all, if it is a conversation at all. If it isn’t a conversation but a monologue then I usually endure the noise.

4. When I think it might be a teachable moment. I don’t say this to sound arrogant. What I mean is, if I can in any way enlighten the person or people on my point of view, then I’ll give it a shot.

5. When it’s a person I trust and they’re displaying a surprising departure from their normal respect of me.

The saying “Don’t cast your pearls before swine” means to me, don’t share your precious thoughts with people who either don’t listen or don’t care when they do or when they’ll use it against you.

I can’t think of any more right now. But I hope this helps.

All my love,

David