Do You Have Someone Who Tells You What You Don't Want to Hear?
2026-11-12
Do You Have Someone Who Tells You What You Don't Want to Hear?
耳の痛いことを言ってくれる人はいますか？
耳の痛いことを言ってくれる人はいますか？
In Japanese, we have an expression, Mimi ga Itai (耳が痛い), literally meaning "my ears hurt." It describes hearing something uncomfortable, especially when we know it is true.
As we become more successful or rise to positions of authority, fewer people tell us things we don't want to hear.
Employees may hesitate to disagree. Friends may avoid uncomfortable conversations. People around us may simply tell us what we want to hear.
It feels comfortable, but it can also be dangerous.
Someone who tells you that you are wrong, points out your weaknesses, or questions your decisions may be one of the most valuable people in your life.
The Japanese saying, 「良薬は口に苦し」 (Good medicine tastes bitter), reminds us that what is good for us is not always pleasant.
The same applies to advice.
Don't surround yourself only with people who agree with you. And when someone tells you something difficult to hear, don't punish them for their honesty.
Because the day everyone starts agreeing with you may be the day you stop growing.
Do you have someone who tells you what you don't want to hear?
If you do, treasure that person.
Disclaimer: I use AI as a tool to help create images and proofread my writing. However, the ideas, opinions, experiences, and messages in my posts are my own. AI does not generate my posts for me. It simply helps me present my own words and ideas more clearly.
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..