Speaking truth with love is not comfortable; it’s where real compassion lives. It’s about choosing the hard right over the easy wrong, a practice that transforms relationships and builds genuine trust. This is the gritty work of true connection.
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Meaning
The core message here is a gut-check: true compassion isn’t about making people feel good; it’s about doing what’s right for them, even when it’s difficult for you.
Explanation
Let me break this down from my own experience. We often confuse “nice” with “loving.” Nice is avoiding conflict. Loving is having the courage to say, “Hey, I see you, and this pattern is hurting you,” or “Your action impacted me this way.” It’s uncomfortable because you’re risking a reaction. You’re sitting in that awkward silence. But that discomfort is the price of admission for a real, authentic relationship. It’s the ultimate sign of respect.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3669) |
| Category | Love (89) |
| Topics | compassion (36), love general (86), truth (77) |
| Literary Style | concise (408), ethical (9) |
| Emotion / Mood | determined (116), warm (182) |
| Overall Quote Score | 69 (33) |
Origin & Factcheck
This is straight from Brené Brown’s 2004 book, “Women & Shame: Reaching Out, Speaking Truths,” which came out of her early, groundbreaking research. You’ll sometimes see it misattributed to biblical sources or other self-help authors, but the specific phrasing and this powerful framing is uniquely Brené.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Brene Brown (257) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Women & Shame: Reaching Out, Speaking Truths (39) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1892) |
| Original Language | English (3669) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Dr Brene Brown is the author of books such as Daring Greatly and The Power of Vulnerability. The TED talk and Netflix production based on her research reached out to millions of audience. She researches effects of courage and vulnerability in shaping people's work and relationships. She leads the Brené Brown Education and Research Group and provides evidence-based insights into practical tools to help people train themselves
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Speaking truth with love is not comfortable; it is compassionate |
| Book Details | Publication Year: 2004; (other edition details unknown) |
| Where is it? | Approximate page from 2004 Hazelden edition, Section: Truth and Compassion |