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Never Complain; Never explain

Explaining gives power to another.

You may want to explain to someone who :-

  1. is a loved one or a friend
  2. is your boss or a customer
  3. have said something intelligent and interesting

But, if the critical party is someone you don’t know personally, don’t care about, and or don’t respect as an equal — then do not be concerned for what he thinks.

Explaining yourself is essentially an attempt to seek another’s approval and validate their importance. You’ve given to them two of your most precious resources – your time and attention; automatically making their argument stronger.

Often complete silence is the best possible response.

If you have put forth your best effort and work, there is no need to add further explanations. People will either understand and appreciate what you do, or they won't. It is inevitable that some individuals will twist your words, misinterpret your intentions, or mistake their personal preferences for objective truth.

Understanding why explanations should be sparingly given also sheds light on the importance of minimizing complaints. The party you wish to complain against likely has their own purpose and vision, which may differ from your own needs and desires. When expressing dissatisfaction, it is more effective to keep your explanation concise and swiftly transition into a constructive dialogue, focusing on finding resolutions.