Q Riduckulous
← All letters

Friends · Letter 11

The friend who is just being honest

Fictional launch letter

Dear Duck,

My friend says hurtful things and then says she is just being honest. Am I too sensitive?

— Frequently Insulted

Dear Convenient Target,

Honesty describes whether a statement is true. It does not automatically explain why someone has brought it to brunch.

Tell her which remark hurt and ask her to stop. Observe the response. A friend may be clumsy; a person who insists on continuing after you explain is pursuing a different hobby. I am famously unpleasant, but I do try to maintain a purpose.

Your turn.

Ask a duck