How honest can you be?

koan · 09-05-2006, 02:39 PM

A close friend asks - and genuinely wants - your opinion about something, but your opinion is one that he is likely to find quite painful. For example, your friend is an artist and asks your honest estimate of his chances of being successful. You think he is an atrocious artist who hasn't the slightest chance of success. What would you do?

chonsigirl · 09-05-2006, 02:43 PM

I would tell the truth-gently. And lead my friend in the conversation about ways to improve their art, since it is something that is important to them.

koan · 09-05-2006, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chonsigirl

I would tell the truth-gently. And lead my friend in the conversation about ways to improve their art, since it is something that is important to them.

same here. I'd also mention that art is a matter of taste and that it is only my opinion...which is just a specific way of telling it gently.

ch4rlie · 09-05-2006, 02:47 PM

i would tell them that as long as you are happy it doesn't matter what sales. if i were feeling less daring i would nod and say nice.

minks · 09-05-2006, 02:48 PM

I go for other, every situation is different. I generally admit I am no expert and to me it looks fine. I also know some people take criticisim better than others so I tell them the flat out truth.
However if someone got a hair cut, it was awful and they are in tears over it and ask my opinion I would say .... *skirts question* It will grow out. hehehehe

ch4rlie · 09-05-2006, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by minks

I go for other, every situation is different. I generally admit I am no expert and to me it looks fine. I also know some people take criticisim better than others so I tell them the flat out truth.
However if someone got a hair cut, it was awful and they are in tears over it and ask my opinion I would say .... *skirts question* It will grow out. hehehehe

you can't tell the truth to someone who wears their ego on their sleeve. its all relative. i agree.

09-05-2006, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chonsigirl

I would tell the truth-gently. And lead my friend in the conversation about ways to improve their art, since it is something that is important to them.

I would tell the truth,as well

Bryn Mawr · 09-05-2006, 03:14 PM

I'd tone it down but stay on the right side of the truth.

Instead of "No chance - you're a lousy artist" it would be "It's a really difficult niche to break into and I think you'll struggle"

Marie5656 · 09-05-2006, 03:19 PM

Mine would be a "yes..but...". My response would be only if I were able to be tactfull and gracious about it. And if I thought the person would be better for it.

weeder · 09-05-2006, 03:45 PM

I can be brutally honest. The example of art is a tough one though, because it is such a selective and personal taste. My level of honesty is also controlled by the level on intimacy I share with a person. The receiver needs to know me well enough to know, I wouldnt hurt them or have ulterior motives for criticisim.

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09-05-2006, 02:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
koan anomaly Supporting Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 12,650	How honest can you be? A close friend asks - and genuinely wants - your opinion about something, but your opinion is one that he is likely to find quite painful. For example, your friend is an artist and asks your honest estimate of his chances of being successful. You think he is an atrocious artist who hasn't the slightest chance of success. What would you do? __________________ Having the right to an opinion does not make your opinion right.
Local Time: 09:54 AM Local Date: 11-19-2008

09-05-2006, 02:43 PM	#2 (permalink)
chonsigirl I think, therefore I post Supporting Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Nirvana Posts: 28,482	Re: How honest can you be? I would tell the truth-gently. And lead my friend in the conversation about ways to improve their art, since it is something that is important to them.
Local Time: 12:54 PM Local Date: 11-19-2008

09-05-2006, 02:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
ch4rlie Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 53	Re: How honest can you be? i would tell them that as long as you are happy it doesn't matter what sales. if i were feeling less daring i would nod and say nice.
Local Time: 10:54 AM Local Date: 11-19-2008

09-05-2006, 02:48 PM	#5 (permalink)
minks superstar Supporting Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: igloo apparently Posts: 23,433	Re: How honest can you be? I go for other, every situation is different. I generally admit I am no expert and to me it looks fine. I also know some people take criticisim better than others so I tell them the flat out truth. However if someone got a hair cut, it was awful and they are in tears over it and ask my opinion I would say .... skirts question It will grow out. hehehehe __________________ “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” Dr. Seuss
Local Time: 10:54 AM Local Date: 11-19-2008

09-05-2006, 03:14 PM	#8 (permalink)
Bryn Mawr Senior Member Supporting Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: London Posts: 6,015	Re: How honest can you be? I'd tone it down but stay on the right side of the truth. Instead of "No chance - you're a lousy artist" it would be "It's a really difficult niche to break into and I think you'll struggle"
Local Time: 05:54 PM Local Date: 11-19-2008

09-05-2006, 03:19 PM	#9 (permalink)
Marie5656 What? Me worry? Join Date: May 2006 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 6,694	Re: How honest can you be? Mine would be a "yes..but...". My response would be only if I were able to be tactfull and gracious about it. And if I thought the person would be better for it. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
Local Time: 12:54 PM Local Date: 11-19-2008

09-05-2006, 03:45 PM	#10 (permalink)
weeder Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Virginia Posts: 2,999	Re: How honest can you be? I can be brutally honest. The example of art is a tough one though, because it is such a selective and personal taste. My level of honesty is also controlled by the level on intimacy I share with a person. The receiver needs to know me well enough to know, I wouldnt hurt them or have ulterior motives for criticisim.
Local Time: 09:54 AM Local Date: 11-19-2008

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