Tact

[inspirit]

I think one of my failings over the years has been lack of tact. As I've got older I've realized how important tact is. Tact is listening to other people, paying attention to them, and showing that you have good will toward them. It's easy to say you're wrong and I'm right or to just ignore other people entirely but that doesn't get you anywhere in your relationships. Tact isn't always an easy thing to demonstrate but it's a noble thing to aspire towards.

Hopefully I am a great believer in tact. I was taught by my mother to always consider other's feelings.

deepsea

Sometimes, the stronger the belief the further away from tact.

Yes...tact!!! Sometimes my tact goes straight out the window, usually this happens when i'm in defect of some sort, i'm feeling fearful - annoyed on some level because 'my will' doesn't agree or i feel resentful. I find that by NOT being resentful or fearful on any level the lack of tact doesn't get a look in. Being tactful can save so many arguments lol.

....and of course there is being tactful without sarcasm! sometimes it's tricky to know the difference.

[Xan]

Tact sounds like something you Try To Do.

How about Kindness instead, since that arises from the heart.


Xan

Originally Posted by Xan

Tact sounds like something you Try To Do.

How about Kindness instead, since that arises from the heart.


Xan

SO TRUE AND WELL PUT.

[Lynn]

Originally Posted by inspirit

I think one of my failings over the years has been lack of tact. As I've got older I've realized how important tact is. Tact is listening to other people, paying attention to them, and showing that you have good will toward them. It's easy to say you're wrong and I'm right or to just ignore other people entirely but that doesn't get you anywhere in your relationships. Tact isn't always an easy thing to demonstrate but it's a noble thing to aspire towards.

Hello


That is so nicely PUT. To me tack is being a good set of ears and putting aside the judement calls one so might well want to make and just be there.

Lynn

Hmmm...if one is putting aside the judgement calls they 'so want to make'...then in their heart they have already judged.

Is tact about appearing kind or sympathetic, when inside you are simply feeling what you really feel?

I believe there is a time for tact over honesty....if a man has lost his leg and is likely to die, one need not spell it out, but just tell him it'll be ok.

But tact can also be a 'tactical' way of manipulation, pretense or plain dishonesty.

I pick up how people are feeling and I find tact quite upsetting....most of the time, honesty and working on your own feelings towards others to develop genuine kindness is prefferred.

[inspirit]

I see tact as generally a good thing. Sure tact can be dishonest, but it doesn't have to be. Tact is not diplomacy, or sugarcoating the truth. Tact is showing small courtesies to others that let them know that they are appreciated.