"It's kindness to refuse immediately what you eventually intend to deny." - jimmy collins | watercolor by courtney khail
I read this quote a little while back in an interview and it resonated with me. So often people feel it's kinder to "slowly" or "gently" let someone down - whether for an opportunity, a date, what have you- than to simply just be upfront and direct. I've never agreed with that feeling. We've all been on the receiving end of false hope, and it never makes the reality any easier. (Honestly, I'd argue it makes it worse. What many people consider gentle or kind, is actually just prolonging the discomfort or hurt.) So I urge you to always be direct and honest about all of your intentions. In the end, it's the kind thing to do.