we do not have the luxury of free speech, because we're always imprisoned by the fear of repercussions. i always thought you must be a very strong minded being for having the courage to speak your mind.
but i slowly begin to realise, that there is the line between pigheadedness and straightforward.
the latter, of course, is praiseworthy, because a conversation with a straightforward someone leaves everyone feeling like a winner.
and the former, just plains put people down.

i feel sorry for those who encounter such people everyday. and i somehow wish they could instill the strength to blast back at the person. which wouldnt exactly be the socially right thing to do.
but i guess we all have to learn when to put our foot down, but not stamp on others' toes while we do it.

and there are the times you feel like speaking your mind, but you shouldnt, because you know nothing constructive is going to come out of your mouth and it would be pure bitching. and much as we love to bitch about people, i guess it hurts people's feelings.
that said, there is too, that fine line between bitching and gossiping.
bitching is just plain malicious, and the bitch usually has no courage to admit out loud what has been said or done.
and gossip, is just gossip, to laugh together about something, not laugh together at someone.

one of the things i'm filled with gratitude for is my network of support. people whom i can rely on, whom i can trust whole heartedly, and you always know where you stand with them.

and the other thing, i think i turned out pretty ok as a person.