Many of us have heard that admonition. Though sometimes the message is delivered sarcastically, and most often to men, the speaker has observed behavior lacking in courage or honesty and is exhorting that person to face up to a situation or confrontation. The circumstances depicted often relate to human relationships and flawed or deficient communications.
For example, one might be steering away from meetings or conversations to avoid the possibility of hurt feelings, or giving an answer that might not be well received. Perhaps someone is holding back from taking appropriate action because of a lack of confidence. Or maybe it’s just hard to say, “I was wrong, and I’m sorry,” because that could be thought to be a sign of weakness. Of course, all of these situations need conscientious thought in order to be handled responsibly.
The same is true, though, about each of us—both men and women. How often are we confronted with an apparent flaw or deficiency in ourselves or others, be it with regard to work, family, income, physical well-being, purpose, companionship, or life itself? And what’s sometimes the response? Is it one of denial? Complacency? Regret? Resignation and acceptance?
