Say What’s True: Owning Your Voice in Disagreements
You deserve to be heard. Expressing your truth can heal rifts—when done with kindness.
Speaking your truth in a disagreement is essential. If you suppress your thoughts, emotions, or boundaries, resentment builds. But doing so harshly or aggressively can also damage connection. The goal is balanced self-expression: honest, clear, respectful.
Research supports this. For example, emotional intelligence studies show that those who can both express their feelings and manage them effectively report higher satisfaction in relationships. They are perceived as more trustworthy and authentic.
Also, conflict management theory (Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode) distinguishes styles such as “assertive” vs “avoidant” or “accommodating” vs “competing.” Being too passive silences your truth; too aggressive silences the relationship. A balanced assertive-cooperative approach often yields better outcomes.
When you express your true feelings or perspectives kindly, the other person is more likely to listen and respond in kind. It builds trust, reduces misunderstandings, and opens possibility for compromise or deeper connection.
Practical Step Now:
Pick one small truth you’ve been holding back in a recent disagreement. Write down what you want to say, using “I” statements (e.g. “I feel…, because…”) and avoiding blame. Then find a moment to share that with the person involved with calm, respectful tone.