Is Politeness Overrated? Exploring Authenticity vs. Rudeness
Episode Overview
Understand the difference between assertiveness and rudeness. Recognise cultural conditioning's impact on manners. Learn how setting boundaries can support mental health. Reflect on personal beliefs about politeness and authenticity. Embrace emotional resilience by handling judgement.
"Your job is not to make people comfortable. It is to live in alignment with who you are."
Have you ever found yourself biting your tongue just to avoid seeming rude? In this episode of RAW CHATTER!, Vicky Midwood tackles the fear of appearing impolite and how it ties into our self-worth and authenticity. She digs into the cultural conditioning that has many of us prioritising politeness over truthfulness. Vicky shares her own journey from being an over-explainer to embracing assertiveness without crossing into rudeness.
It's all about setting boundaries and recognising that your needs are just as important as anyone else's. Vicky uses light-hearted anecdotes, like her experience in a Starbucks in America, to highlight cultural differences in manners. She discusses how these differences can lead to misunderstandings and the internal conflict we face when we don't speak our truth. If you're someone who often feels the pressure to be 'nice' at the expense of your own needs, this episode might resonate with you.
Throughout the chat, Vicky encourages listeners to ponder questions about their own behaviours and beliefs around politeness. Are you editing yourself to avoid judgement? What's the worst that could happen if you said what you truly meant? These reflections aim to help you break free from the shackles of cultural expectations and build emotional resilience. This episode is a refreshing reminder that living authentically isn't rude—it's necessary for our mental health.
So, grab a cuppa and listen in for a dose of wisdom and humour that might just change how you approach your daily interactions.