IT'S BEST TO LEAVE IT UNSAID

(thoughtful story) FOOD FOR THOUGHT --By Drue Duke

I broke my right arm when I was in the sixth grade, and only with the help of my wonderful teacher was I able to keep up with classwork. One day, while my arm was still in a cast, a friend and I chatted about school while we waited our turns in the orthodontist's chair.

"You've got it made," she teased. "No reports to write, no written tests to take."
"Yes," I laughed. "And when this heals," I lifted my cast, "I might just break it again!"

"You're being jealous," I joshed. "After all, I'm unique!"

"...and all that special attention you get from the teacher."

Two little girls, joking together. Yet the next day the principal told me in stern tones that a woman who had been in the reception room at the same time we were had telephoned the school to report that I considered myself unique, deserving of special attention from the teacher, and that I planned to break my arm again to get out of doing written assignments.

At first I was too stunned to speak. But then I realized that the woman had not deliberately lied. She had only repeated our words out of context and in a manner that totally changed their meaning.

What about that something you've recently heard and plan to tell a friend? Are you sure that you have it right? Will the tone of your voice or its infection amend the real meaning? Will your repeating it embarrass or hurt someone else?
If so, it's best to leave it unsaid.


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