DEATH!...and being Phony

[Blue]

I know how you feel, I don't do the "politically correct thing" either. Sure if I mean it, I will say "I'm sorry." If not, in a situation like yours, I'd say something along the lines of "You must really miss _________.." It's honest and, while I might empathize, I don't miss whoever died.

Then I come with a reason I have to go, or they do or something. "Yeah, I can imagine how hard this is on you but, I really should get back to [insert what I want to be doing]."

I remember, even at age 10, when my grandfather passed, I never cried. I didn't know him that well and, I never did figure out how all that crying and carrying on was supposed to help. Yeah, I understand now, and there are people I have or will cry for if I outlive them, but at the time all I knew was crying was a reason for father to belt me even more so, I didn't see why I was supposed to cry - got belted for not crying that day. I guess that kind of set the tone for me not showing emotion unless it's genuine.

I see nothing wrong with being honest and real, but there is a place to be polite about doing it and, soften the blunt edges a bit. You know who around you can't handle your bluntness when, just be gently honest.