“In all thy humours, whether grave or mellow,
Thou’rt such a touchy, testy, pleasant fellow,
Hast so much wit and mirth and spleen about thee,
There is no living with thee, nor without thee.”
Some people make a good deal of needless suffering for themselves and others by their over sensitiveness. They appear to be always watching for words or tones in the conversation of others which may in some way reflect upon them, or may allude with a suggestion of blame or criticism to something they have said or done. We all know people whose extreme sensitiveness keeps us continually, and in an uncomfortable way, on our guard when we are in their presence. We have to be always most careful what we say lest in some way we vex them or give them pain. It is part of love’s duty never to say a word which would cause another any hurt feeling. There is too much thoughtless speaking which wounds hearts. It is part of the lesson of thoughtfulness to learn to mingle with people of all sorts and yet never touch a tender spot, never give pain to a gentle heart. This is not easy. It requires almost infinite tact to do it.
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