--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We can rarely tell others what we really…" description: "\"We can rarely tell others what we really think about them--not just because it would so wound them, but also because it would so wound ourselves.\" — Do..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1ce/douglas-kennedy-17748_rarely_we-can-rarely-tell-others-what-we-really_105311.jpg" --- # We can rarely tell others what we really think about… ![“We can rarely tell others what we really think about them--not just because it would so wound them, but also because it would so wound ourselves.” quote by Douglas Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1ce/douglas-kennedy-17748_rarely_we-can-rarely-tell-others-what-we-really_105311.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1ce/douglas-kennedy-17748_rarely_we-can-rarely-tell-others-what-we-really_105311.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1ce/douglas-kennedy-17748_rarely_we-can-rarely-tell-others-what-we-really_105311.jpg) > “We can rarely tell others what we really think about them--not just because it would so wound them, but also because it would so wound ourselves.” [Douglas Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/douglas-kennedy/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote notes that we rarely voice honest opinions about others because doing so would cause pain both to them and to ourselves, highlighting the protective function of social restraint. **In simple terms:** Honest feedback hurts both parties. Key Takeaway Self‑protection limits candid communication. Themes communication honesty social restraint emotional risk Mood thoughtful reflective cautious Type advice philosophical social observation When to use this quote - performance reviews at work - family gatherings with sensitive topics - friendship conflict resolution Key Concepts interpersonal dynamics Practical Applications - Practice delivering constructive feedback with empathy. - Create safe spaces for mutual honesty. Questions to Reflect On - When does honesty become harmful? - How can we balance truthfulness with compassion? A Different Perspective Avoiding truth can also preserve relationships; the trade‑off depends on context. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Rarely](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rarely/) [Rarely Tell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rarely-tell-636968/) [Really Think](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/really-think-266397/) [Tell Really](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tell-really-304299/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) [Wound](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wound/) [Wounds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wounds/) ## Related quotes > [Be straight up. I'd rather have you tell me how you really think rather than sugar coating everything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/be-straight-up-i-d-rather-have-you-tell-me-how-you-really-think/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Fans don't lie. 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Don't pack whatever…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/clarissa-pinkola-estes/tell-the-truth-about-your-wound-and-then-you-will-get-a-truthful/) [Clarissa Pinkola Estes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/clarissa-pinkola-estes/) ## More by Douglas Kennedy > [If there is an abiding theme in 'The Pursuit of Happiness,' it is the idea that you come into the world already shaped by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/douglas-kennedy/if-there-is-an-abiding-theme-in-the-pursuit-of-happiness-it-is-the/) [Douglas Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/douglas-kennedy/) > [“... we seemed to possess a similar worldview: slightly jaded, fiercely independent ... ”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/douglas-kennedy/we-seemed-to-possess-a-similar-worldview-slightly-jaded-fiercely/) [Douglas Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/douglas-kennedy/) > [“Another curious thing about the slow progression out of depression: you begin to crave routine.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/douglas-kennedy/another-curious-thing-about-the-slow-progression-out-of-depression/) [Douglas Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/douglas-kennedy/) > [Tragedy is one of the larger prices we pay for being alive. 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