The difference between being straightforward and being mean depends on the nature and intentions of the speaker. Sometimes we don’t understand the intention of speaker and label him Mean or impolite for being straightforward. To know the clear difference between both terms, we need to study it in detail.

Straightforward Vs Mean

Being Straightforward

Straightforward refers to being honest; direct; straight and free from ambiguity. It’s a direct approach to communicate with other person. Being straightforward does not mean you got a right to target others feelings and hurt them by using harsh words. You can be polite and straightforward at the same time without being impolite. However people find difficulty in distinguishing between straightforwardness and rudeness. They consider the both as same and adopt them as their characteristics. It creates bad impression on others and people will definitely not appreciate their straightforwardness for their abusive and harsh language.

For example, if you ask a person, “How’s your day?” and he replies with true emotions like “oh! Pretty well”, “quite boring”, “such a hectic day” or “worst one, get insulted by the boss; I don’t like him” shows straightforwardness.

Praising your employee for his work and ask him to do better directly is another example.

A straightforward person

  • does direct communication
  • does not beat about the bush
  • does not sugarcoat things
  • is plain-spoken
  • is honest
  • believes in direct communication
  • does not want to letdown others
  • remains positive
  • speaks truth
  • should not use insulting words for others
  • should be respectful towards others
  • expresses his emotion openly

Being Mean

Mean refers to be cruel and disrespect towards others. A mean person is selfish and just cares for his own benefits. He let down others for no cause. He does not feel happy to see other persons growing in their lives. He hides his evil emotions by wearing a mask of honesty.

A mean person feels himself superior among all and disrespects others. He is egoistic person and does not pay regards to those who do any favour. Being selfish, he manipulates others to get his work done. He does not want others to stand in front of him confidently and tries to degrade them.

He blames other people for any kind of loss and tries to justify himself. He tries to build his false image of being honest, superior, trustworthy, loyal and happy at any cost. Research says that a person do all these things to satisfy his inner self. He wants people to notice him and encourage him. His meanness might be a result of frustration, disturbance or some bad experience in life.

For example, if a person says to you “oh man! you seem too fat in this dress, lol”, “what a cheap stuff you are wearing, I have got the best one”, he is bullying you and want you to have an inferiority complex. He must be a mean person who can’t see you happy and satisfied.

How to overcome meanness

  • Be gentle towards others
  • Respect others feelings
  • Try to find reason of your anger
  • Be generous
  • Be polite
  • Don’t use harsh words for anyone
  • Be positive
  • Try to forget your bad experience
  • Motivate yourself for positivity
  • Pay regards to others
  • Be nice to everyone
  • Don’t disrespect anyone
  • Praise others genuinely
  • Keep your heart pure
  • Judge others by putting yourself in their shoe
  • Don’t judge people
  • Try not to pass negative remarks
  • Balance your emotions
  • Develop empathy for others
  • Do meditation
  • Develop a sense of humor
  • Try to be happy on others success
  • Eliminate the jealousy factor in your nature
  • Control your emotions

Are you a straightforward person or a mean person? Do you feel good to be mean? Let’s give positivity a chance to build up your character that will lead to extreme satisfaction and happiness. Do you agree?