"لست ملزماً بإرضائك بإجابتي"

Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations where we feel pressured to provide the answers that others want to hear. The core idea here is that we shouldn’t feel obligated to tailor our responses to suit someone else’s expectations or desires. We have the right to be honest and true to ourselves, even if it means disappointing someone else.

This idea has been around for a long time. Shakespeare penned these words in "The Merchant of Venice," reflecting the notion that integrity and authenticity often trump the need to placate others. Imagine living in 16th century Europe—your word and honor were your currency. People didn’t have the luxury of hiding behind screens or carefully curated social media profiles. What you said, and how you said it, carried weight and had immediate repercussions.

Take a modern-day example: a work environment where an employee is asked by their boss for feedback on a new policy. The employee knows that the policy isn’t effective and could cause more harm than good. They have two choices: tell the boss what they want to hear or speak the truth. Choosing honesty over appeasement might be tough, especially if you’re worried about job security or office politics. But in the long run, truth builds trust and respect. By giving an honest answer—even if it’s not what the boss wants to hear—the employee might help avoid potential pitfalls and contribute to creating a more open, honest work culture.

So, how can you apply this in your life? The next time you’re asked for your opinion or advice, pause for a moment. Think about whether you’re about to say something just to keep the peace or if you’re being true to yourself. It’s not about being rude or confrontational—it’s about standing firm in your truth. Practice gentle honesty. Say something like, “I understand that this may not be what you want to hear, but I believe it’s important to be upfront about my views on this.”

Picture this: You’re out for coffee with a friend who’s excited about a big life decision, like moving to a new city for a job. They ask for your opinion, but deep down, you have concerns about the move—perhaps you know they would struggle being away from their support system. It’s tempting to just nod along and say, “That sounds great!” But instead, you take a deep breath and offer your honest thoughts. You might say, “I can see why you’re excited, and there’s a lot of potential in this opportunity. But I’m also worried about how you’ll adjust being so far from family and friends. Have you thought about those challenges?”

By doing this, you’re not just a yes-man—you’re a true friend. Your honesty might make them reconsider and plan more carefully, ultimately leading to a better outcome.

To wrap this up, remember that you’re not here to please everyone with your answers. Authenticity and integrity are priceless. Sure, it’s not always easy. You might ruffle some feathers along the way. But being true to yourself and offering your honest perspective will serve you—and others—far better in the long run. And hey, people will respect you for it.