Sometimes Your Words Are Enough

“Good words are worth much, and cost little.”

George Herbert

Yes, we’ve all  heard countless amounts of time the famous expression “Actions speak louder than words”. But, what if I told you that in some cases it’s actually best to let your words do all the work?

Indeed, sometimes your words are truly enough. They’re the forms of expression that will save you from a lot of rage, turmoil, and stress.

Hence Insighter, today we’ll will looking at instances in which only offering your words is the best solution. But before we tell all….

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Now let’s get ready to do less, and say a little bit more.

#1. Words of Thanks

Ever been in one of those situations where you feel overwhelmed by a kind gesture? Or in a relationship/friendship where whenever that other person does something nice for you (whether trivial or monumental) you feel like returning the favor to the tenth power?

Let me clarify with an example. Say you’re out on a date (apparently people still go on these) and your date decides to pay for the drinks.

Instinctively, you feel the need to reciprocate this gesture by paying for the food. This is perfectly fine – it’s called being considerate.

However, where things can get out of hand is if that date had paid for the drinks and your initial reaction was to pay for the food, buy that person an expensive piece of jewelry out-of-the-blue, and fork over $500 just for the hell of it.

You see, unless you’re a “Splenda daddy” or a pimp, your go-to move shouldn’t be returning small, trivial gestures with overly-valuable incentives.

Sometimes, it’s not even tangible items you offer. Overtime you may find yourself willing to lie, offer sexual pleasures, or involve yourself in criminal activity. All for the sake of this one person.

Certainly all of which are dangerous means of reacting to somebody’s kindness. Additionally, if you’re not careful, that person may detect this flaw and use it to their own selfish desires.

(Assuming they aren’t doing it already.)

Your best bet? Actively practice substituting excessive giving with kind words. Take the time out to write that person a meaningful text, send a voice-note, or simply say thank you.

Understand that you don’t have to always go above and beyond to prove to somebody how grateful you are. Also, be wary of individuals who always seem to want something in return.

Likewise, the ones who never turn down your attempts to return the favor. For they can be very dangerous and equally manipulative.

So the next time somebody does something nice for you, take a moment to assess the situation before you react. Maybe it was something you earned fair and square? Maybe the gesture is just a means of pushing their own agenda? Purghaps, (purgatory maybe) it’s not meant to be taken personally?

Whatever the case, sometimes it’s best to say your thank you(s) and keep it moving. Trust me, it tends to save you a lot of energy in the long run.

#2. Expressing Condolences

There has to be at least one time in which someone who you weren’t particularly fond of bit the dust. It could be a high school bully, former employer, an ex, or even a distant relative you once loathed.

Nonetheless, you are not responsible for convincing others or even yourself that this person meant the world to you. There’s no need to force tears or volunteer to perform a eulogy.

(Heaven knows you’ll be scraping the indexes of your brain for something remotely nice to say.)

I’ve seen it before and it is not in any way cute.

Similarly, don’t go putting on a show to convince some people that you’re not a complete monster. Simply offer your bloody condolences and keep it moving. A simple “I’m sorry for YOUR lost” will do.

And if someone has the moxie to say something along the lines of “Oh, but you never even liked Carol!” , you look them dead in the face and tell them “Look, it’s unfortunate what happened to him but, I’m showing his family my respects”. Or something along those lines.

Learn how to use your words to deflect the chance of getting into all of the drama of the past. It’s really not worth your time.

Furthermore, you won’t begin cluttering your mind with doses of unauthentic guilt. You’ll feel at peace with the situation.

Soon enough, you’ll come to the realization that although this individual wasn’t exactly your fave, it’s unfortunate what happened to him or her. And there’s nothing else for you to do about it.

(Now, if you don’t find that person’s death unfortunate and find yourself in a celebratory mood, you may just be a sociopath. One who needs to seek mental help from a licensed professional.

#3. Words of Greeting

In life, you may find yourself in an environment where you’re forced to coexist alongside others. Usually for the greater good of some cause or organization. This can be at work, in class, or even at home.

Within these confined confines, you may find yourself annoyed or uninterested by those around you. And that’s fine, we all feel a bit aloof at times… or all the time if you’re an introvert.

However, you must get through the day and meet the requirements of the job, ace the class assignment, or be able to survive when you’re home with family.

In cases like these, it’s best to keep the channel of communication open slightly with run-of-the-mill greetings. “Good morning”, “Good night”, or “Hello” , are all good starters for crisp and clipped conversations.

Now, if there’s no need to further engage with this person you can stop at the above examples. You don’t have to go out of your way to ask them about their weekend. Especially if both of you have a record of mutual dislike.

On the other hand, if they decide to engage you in conversation, be professional. “Fine, thank you” and “Okay” are great responses that keep things light and hopefully sets the tone for the duration of the day.

Now if this politeness is not reciprocated, don’t worry about it. That individual or group of people just probably think you think that you’re better than them.

(Which by all means you are. Like duh.)

Yet, what’s important is that YOU find your own sense of peace in any hectic environment. Hence, whenever you’re forced to work with a bunch of butt-plugs, keep it professional; don’t get overly-involved.

You engage when deemed absolutely necessary. Above all, use the power of words or the lack thereof, to your advantage.

Final Thoughts

Each day life coerces us to react to a myriad of situations – some a bit more complex than others. Nevertheless, it is up to you to determine how you are going to react.

Finally, what other people do is not your concern, but how you react is. So the next time you find yourself in any of the above situations, think of how your words can get the job done and save you time, energy, and your dignity.

As always, take care of yourselves. Put your health and needs first. And continue to be your best, unapologetic self. Love you guys!

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