15/09/2025
Words are powerful.
They can build trust, inspire, and connect, but they can also hurt, even without intent. I learnt this the hard way with my sister. She proudly baked a cake, and when she asked for my thoughts, I gave blunt feedback. It was true I thought (in my "opinion"), but not kind or helpful. My words upset her, and I realised honesty isn’t enough, how we speak matters as much as what we say.
That moment pushed me to work on my communication. Growing up in Poland, I learnt a very direct style. Moving to the UK 20 years ago taught me that balancing truth with kindness is more effective. Through practice (and mistakes), I’ve learnt communication is a skill we can all develop.
The “Test of Three” – from Socrates
The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates suggested that before speaking, we ask:
Is it true? – Is it fact, not assumption?
Is it kind? – Am I respectful and empathetic?
Is it useful? – Does it add value?
If our words don’t pass this test, perhaps they’re better left unsaid.
Words are powerful. They can build trust, inspire others, and strengthen relationships, but they can also hurt, even when we don’t mean them to. I learnt this lesson the hard way with someone very close to me: my sister.
