Tell me how you really feel

Recently, as I’ve expressed some of my feelings about being back at work to folks one-on-one, I’ve been told that I’m wrong about how I feel and what I perceive isn’t the case. [Note: I realize this is a very vague statement, but please bear with me. The details aren’t immediately relevant to the point I want to make.]

Although I recognize that the people saying these things are trying to speak truth in love, it doesn’t help to be told that I’m wrong about how I feel. My feelings are valid and real to me.

It’s okay to believe that someone is worried unnecessarily or that their feelings about a situation are ridiculous. Before you say that out loud, consider whether the other person needs to hear that from you. You can be right and kind at the same time.