Question of the Week: Speak Up or Shut Up?

Image by amanky via Flickr
Over the past several days I have been writing about dealing with difficult people in my posts Trying to See a Little Bit of Good in Everyone and My Advice: Take Your Lumps.

Have I mentioned that many of my posts are inspired by my daily life?

Right now, I am dealing with a business owner who is convinced they are RIGHT. This person has gone extremes to justify their position. I don't know if this craziness is just sheer arrogance, an overinflated sense of entitlement or just incredibly poor customer service on their part, but clearly they don't care what I have to say.

I feel like I need to defend myself, but all I really want to do is completely and totally ignore them.

Here is the problem: speaking to them and their representative is just getting me no where. Since this is a business matter, I can't really ignore it or just shut up. After all, there are consequences if I don't try to take care of this. So after some brainstorming, I've decided that I need to talk to an attorney.

Another thought: I really want to speak up online and submit my honest reviews of this business to review sites and notify the referral agency of my problems with this business. Problem is this person is going to know these reviews/complaints are from me. Will this make my situation worse? Hence my dilemma: should I speak up or shut up?

All this aggravation and time wasted reminds me of my post My Advice: Pick Your Battles. Unfortunately, reviewing this post just points out that this isn't one of those situations where I can't just walk away.

All this angst in my life has got me wondering how all you decided when to speak up and when to shut up when dealing with difficult people or difficult situations.

For example, you have a friend who has chronic illnesses just like you do. She tells you about this new treatment she is going to try. As she explains it to you, your eyes start rolling and you hear the voice inside your head say 'She is making a big mistake.' Do you speak up or shut up?

Or what about the new doctor who gives you a lecture at your very first visit about all the things you should be doing but you're not. You feel your blood start to boil and steam starts coming out of your ears. Your lips start to open. Do you speak up or shut up?

I'm betting that if you live with chronic illness like I do, especially with the ones that some people doubt or discount, you face this dilemma way more than you'd like.

You know what to do. Join the conversation by leaving a comment here or heading over the the Oh My Aches and Pains! Facebook page and joining the discussion. At the very least, let me know I am not the only one who struggles with this issue.