On breaking bad news CC by Rod Waddington

Being the bearer of bad news is something I’m not comfortable with, especially because I’m very protective of other people’s feelings and I try to avoid causing others pain. But life is full of bad news and out of respect; this news must be broken at some time.

Just as I like to know when something is up, it’s my responsibility to do the same. Pain is unavoidable and sooner or later news gets around, and not having dispensed it, is a selfish act. In my book, it’s selfish because causing pain and hurt makes me feel crummy as I tend to make other people’s pain my own.

There is never a right time for dispensing bad news. So, I will set forth, brace myself, be honest and let the chips fall where they may.

Is there a trick to letting people know when something has gone wrong? The only trick I know is to be as kind and loving as possible when doing so. People are entitled to know the truth and I cannot keep it from them. It’s a right we shouldn’t take away.