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"心を袖に付けるのはあまり良い考えではありません 内側にしまっておくべきです"

Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher Prime Minister
Translations
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Quote meaning
Ever been told to "wear your heart on your sleeve"? It sounds poetic, right? But think about it: letting everyone see your innermost feelings all the time isn't always the best strategy. Let's break that down.

The core idea here is pretty straightforward. It means that openly showing your emotions can make you vulnerable. People might take advantage of you or misunderstand you. So, it's often better to keep your deepest feelings more private—wear them inside, where they're safe.

Let's rewind to the 1600s and good old Shakespeare. He first penned this idea in "Othello." Iago, a character full of deceit, says he will wear his heart on his sleeve, but only to fool others. Over time, the saying evolved. Now, it’s more about caution in how much of your true self you show to the world.

Imagine you're at work. You’ve got this boss who’s a bit of a micromanager. If you constantly show your frustration and annoyance, what happens? Best case, you’re seen as unprofessional. Worst case, you're passed over for promotions or given the cold shoulder. But if you keep cool and share your feelings selectively—maybe with a trusted colleague or in a well-timed, private chat with your boss—you navigate the situation better. You’re still authentic, just smarter about it.

So, how do you apply this wisdom in real life? First, know when to be open and when to hold back. It’s not about being a robot with no feelings. It’s about being strategic. For example, if you’re upset with a friend, consider the timing and setting before you let it all out. Maybe don’t confront them during a party or in a group chat. Find a quiet moment instead.

Picture this: you're at a family gathering. Your cousin, who always knows how to push your buttons, starts up. If you react impulsively, things could escalate quickly. But if you take a deep breath and choose your words carefully, you can keep the peace and still stand your ground. You’re not hiding your feelings; you’re just managing them.

Here’s a story. Picture Jane, a marketing executive. She’s passionate about her work, but she’s got this rival, Tom, who seems to live to critique her ideas. If Jane wears her heart on her sleeve, Tom's constant criticism could crush her spirit. But Jane’s smart. She keeps her emotions in check at meetings, takes Tom’s feedback with a polite nod, and saves her real thoughts for her journal or a close friend. By not letting Tom see her sweat, she keeps her professional game strong and earns respect.

So next time you’re in a tricky spot, think about Jane. You don’t have to hide who you are—just be mindful about when and where you show your true feelings. It’s like playing poker. Sometimes, it’s not about the cards you have, but how you play them.
Related tags
Emotional intelligence Emotions Heart Inner feelings Self-awareness Self-preservation Vulnerability Wisdom
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