Season 2/ Episode 23: How To Tell Someone They Can’t Dance or Do Other Activities Well
In All Seriousness
Do What You Love and Be Nice
In this week’s podcast episode, Jill and Tony discussed how to tell someone they aren’t good at what they enjoy doing.
Jill told listeners that if you feel the need to tell someone they aren’t good at something, then choose your words and tone wisely. She said it is all about how you present it. Otherwise, if the activity brings the person joy, let them have it.
Tony, on the other hand, declined to give any advice because he has been guilty of blurting out when someone, including Jill, can’t do something well. He claims he prefers to just not say anything now.
What do you think? Is telling someone they aren’t good at something they enjoy doing necessary? Why or why not? Leave your answers in the comments section. We love hearing from you.
When I first hear criticism of my writing, I know the critic is nuts to not appreciate my brilliance. I fume for a while, but when I reconsider, I realize the truth. As Stephen King says, the editor is always right. I suppose if Stephen has to take advice, I must as well.
Okay that was supposed to funny. Seriously, even though it can hurt to hear it, I want to know where I’m failing. Today I spent hours trying to correct a painting that in the process I may have totaling ruined. Denis pointed out the problem to me, so there’s a chance I may kill him yet. However underneath it all I’m glad to know.
Years ago when we were decorating a house we had just moved into, Denis didn’t like my choice of wallpaper. He picked out one, and while I thought my choice was better, I acquiesced. When it went up, he hated it—I didn’t hate it with the passion he did. We went back and got the one I had chosen. He loved it on the walls, and I’ve had the last say in decorating ever since.
Things like singing and dancing are not a problem for us because neither of us kids ourselves into thinking we may be especially good. At best, we know that sometimes we may get way with passable.
Denis says what if Elaine Benes (Seinfeld) is right about dancing and everyone else is wrong. George said she looks like a “full body dry heave.” Almost as good as one of Tony’s metaphors.
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