The Post

Be Frank.

How much real pleasure would we insure, and how much real pain would we escape, if we would only be frank with one another! Then why are we not? - Because we are cowards. We are afraid to say what we think, nay, what we know to be true: and we thus not only mislead others but ourselves. Nor is this all - By our cowardice we do real harm by leading a large number of our friends to believe that we approve what we really condemn; but, what is still worse, we betray our manhood and dishonor truth by refusing to avow or defend our convictions. Sometimes we are silent, acquiesce or approve, when we should speak, dissent, or condemn: and thus our judgment and influence are perverted and lost. Sometimes our modesty and sometimes our fear of giving offense lead us to this course. We would not be obtrusive or offensive: but we may avoid both by a kind and courteous expression of our own views and feelings. To be frank it is not necessary to be rude or over disagreeable. We may say almost anything if we say it in the spirit of true courtesy.

If this should be the general rule, how inexcusable is its violation in domestic life, among members of the same family, where interest and happiness are so blended that an injury to one is an injury to all? Yet we often find that brothers and sisters, parents and children, and even husbands and wives, do not treat each other with that frankness which is so delightful to a generous mind and loving heart, and which always, when expressed in kindness, sheds such joy in the soul. If every member in the family could make all the others partakers of his thoughts, his hopes and his fears how much would the bonds of interest and affection be strengthened, and how delightful would be the family intercourse: Much of the indifference and even aversion which is found among members of the same household is no doubt traceable to the want of frankness. - Pres. Bomer.