So I've talked about when not to break bad news, I've talked about when to break bad news. Now, lets consider whether or not to break it at all.
Do:
If it's yours to tell.
If it's true.
If the knowing will be valuable to the person to whom you are breaking said news.
If it involves people about whom the or she cares.
Don't:
If it isn't yours to tell. If you're telling best friend B that best friend A's husband was seen stepping out with friend D by friend E, it isn't yours to tell, it's called gossip and will earn you an F in trustworthiness
If you're not sure it's accurate. 75% isn't good enough.
If knowing can not possibly be of value to the person to whom you are breaking said news. If it's unrelated bad news, or bad news for bad news' sake, why would you burden him or her with it?
If you have promised someone else not to share it because, as above, it isn't yours to tell.
Do:
If it's yours to tell.
If it's true.
If the knowing will be valuable to the person to whom you are breaking said news.
If it involves people about whom the or she cares.
Don't:
If it isn't yours to tell. If you're telling best friend B that best friend A's husband was seen stepping out with friend D by friend E, it isn't yours to tell, it's called gossip and will earn you an F in trustworthiness
If you're not sure it's accurate. 75% isn't good enough.
If knowing can not possibly be of value to the person to whom you are breaking said news. If it's unrelated bad news, or bad news for bad news' sake, why would you burden him or her with it?
If you have promised someone else not to share it because, as above, it isn't yours to tell.
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