We have all been thankful for – at times – that other people could not read our thoughts…thoughts such as “I get sick every time I see you!” or “You’ve really gained weight since the last time we met!” This insensitive person should lock these thoughts away quickly in the silence of their own mind. The tactless spouse seems compelled to say exactly such things as these aloud, even when there can be absolutely nothing to gain by such brutal frankness.
Of all the qualities that endear us to our spouse, few would be greater than tact. If there is no tact, there will be little friendship in the world and your marital relationship will revert to stone-age crudeness. Tact in marriage means quick awareness of the feelings of your spouse, and consideration for them. There is only one flaw in this human attribute, the possibility of insincerity. We do not know where we stand with one who diplomatically tells us only what he (your husband) thinks we would like to hear, instead of giving us a frank, straightforward answer.
On the other hand, the tactless husband causes nothing but distress. The motive of real tact is kindness.
Mike McCann
