I prefer conversations that are blunt. The best communicators speak the truth clearly and abruptly without considering the emotional consequences I might suffer. My favorite conversations are with people who just say what they think is right even though it could offend me. These are the people you would call, ‘Jerks.’
I suppose I’m fond of jerks because I am one. There are too many people who hold that opinion of me to merely dismiss it. All those folks can’t be wrong. Rather than waste time arguing for a more complimentary label, I’ll tell you why jerks are awesome conversationalists.
Jerks speak succinctly and clearly without rambling through a dozen disclaimers. I already know you could be wrong and that you’re not perfect. It’s tedious when you remind me. While you’re repeating all the socially required qualifiers, a jerk gets right down to business.
Jerks have no regard for situational contexts. They will say things that are ‘inappropriate’ because they’re oblivious to the environment. You will make me wait for a ‘better time,’ which never comes. A jerk just blurts out the truth anywhere, anytime.
Jerks don’t focus conversation on emotion. You believe that kind of dialogue is ‘cold,’ ‘heartless,’ and ‘lacking compassion.’ I absolutely LOVE heartless conversations. Instead of unpacking my feelings which will be different before I finish unpacking them, I can just talk about ideas. A jerk will happily discuss cold, heartless, compassionless facts.
That’s not to say there aren’t some emotional jerks. There are some manipulative, egotistical jerks who are only interested in ‘sharing their opinion’ which is actually nothing more than their current feelings. I can always tell those jerks from my favorite jerks by the lack of bluntness in their speech. And I prefer conversations that are blunt.
“Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?”
(1 Corinthians 14:7)
