That barking dogs don’t bite is a myth. Experience disproves
the common belief that people who have a sharp tongue will not harm you
otherwise.
Sometimes what is paraded as brutal honesty is seldom that. Certain
people have a reputation of being ‘innocents’ who blurt out anything that comes
to their mind. This image may just be a clever ruse to reveal just the right
amount of information to accomplish their motive which is often less than
noble. Logically, searing comments don’t naturally pour forth from a gentle
soul. When people are teaching you otherwise, be on the alert for they may be potential
abusers defending themselves before an onslaught. Worse, if you find yourself
buying into their argument, then you are turning from a victim to an abuser
yourself. Become aware and break the cycle of abuse.
The fact is that there is equal or even greater probability
of rude people detracting your character behind your back or hurting you in
other ways than those who are polite to you upfront. Either way what others do
behind your back is their problem. You owe it to yourself to be treated with dignity.
So never keep the company of those who treat you with disrespect.