How to Write Without Offending Those Close to You

Your authentic voice comes when you write from the heart.

I have a confession to make.

Too many of my writings were hanging out in the draft. I couldn’t get the courage I needed to move them from there.

I kept thinking.

Hitting publish might hurt someone’s feeling.

Procrastination had a hold on me.

With covid limiting my socializing. I’m spending a lot more time at home with family and close friends. Undoubtedly, my interactions are centered around them.

The conversations we have on the phone. The daily happenings within my household are not always the way I would prefer them. There are arguments, disagreements that others may consider too personal to share.

Everyday life is where I find my inspiration. It’s where I find my authentic voice and, the topics on which I write.

But what if I touch on something that doesn’t sit well with someone?

It could create family upsets too difficult to quell.

It is for this reason I refrained from publishing many of my writings.

If you’re a family-orientated and mindful writer like me; you too may be going through a similar experience.

You want to share your stories, but you fear your truth may hurt the people close to you.

Here is how I’ve approached the situation and am making good strides and progress at it and significantly reduced the number of writings lying dormant in my draft.

I start by asking myself these few questions as I reread every one of them. The answer that honestly comes back to me, decides whether to delete, revise, or hit publish.

This approach could very well be a workable solution for you too.

Is my writing credible and true? — Write and share only that which is the truth. Being truthful is being honest with others and your integrity.

“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. It’s the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning,” — Mark Twain

Will my writing defame or hurt anyone? You should always write with good intention. Unkind words could arm or tarnish someone’s reputation.

“If you genuinely love someone, don’t ever decorate their eyes with tears, their ears with lies, and their heart with a wound,” — Anonymous

Why do I choose to share this topic? Share messages that are credible and of importance. If it’s not important, It’s not worth publishing.

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you,” — Maya Angelou

Is this the best way to write what I have to say? People disagree about matters every day. Finding the best resolve could come from the way you articulate it. Carefully choosing the words you use when you write could make a difference in how you tell your story without offending others.

“I said that I do not believe anyone could write any way except the very best he could write without destroying his talent.” — Earnest Hemingway

Will, what I write to be of value to others? Your writing should always provide some value to your reader. Only when it’s doing that, It’s worth sharing.

“Never underestimate the difference you can make in the lives of others. Step forward, reach out to someone that might need a lift,” — Pablo

It’s only when you’re writing your truth, your voice is authentically you. Now, go review those drafts. Decide which ones you need to rewrite, publish, or discard.

Your writing deserves a place where it can be seen.