Bing 'truthful' without being brutal about it...

[Elizabeth]

Have you ever tried to tell someone the 'truth' gently? Sometimes it can just be small things. I can remember eating at my in laws several times and my hubby's mother asking if he liked something she fixed and he always said "yes" and I know he didn't (cause he told me so). I know he didn't want to hurt her feelings but for me personally if I ask this question I want and honest answer (of course as mentioned you don't have to be brutal in your answer) A simple 'never have cared about it or it's ok something like that.


Because as you can imagine, she would always fix it again and again thinking he liked it!


Anyone have this problem and how did you handle it?

[girlchild34]

Well, this always presents a catch-22 situation especially when you know that the other party may not take it kindly when you tell them the truth. Your hubby definitely knows his mother well and how she'd perceive everything in the event that his answer wasn't to the affirmative.

[Jeanine]

   You almost took the words right out of my mouth Elizabeth! My hubby was always the same way with his mother. I tried to tell him that he should tell her when he doesn't really 'care' for something. He could do it in a nice way and it wouldn't really bother her. What would bother me was to keep on fixing the same thing thinking that they really liked it!


You're so right girlchild, it can be a catch-22 with some people as they can't or don't want to know the truth! Just have to tippy toe around their feelings sometimes....

[MaryB]

At the same time, when it's you,  and you have to eat things you really dislike it is a whole nother ball game!