Tact

I'll admit it...I'm not always the most tactful person.  My dad has told me many, many, many times that I lack tact.  Perhaps it's because there have been far too many times when he's been on the receiving end of my flippant comments that tend to point out various "flaws" that I happen to see.  I mean, the Bible says an honest answer is like a kiss on the lips, right?  ;-)  Unfortunately, my dad was NEVER asking for my opinion at the times that I've offered it, so I'm not sure that technically applies.  hahaha

I do, indeed, have a filtering system between my brain and my mouth.  Apparently I just tend to forget about using it around people who can't disown me or hate me forever.  :-)
 
Of course, no matter how tactless you are, and no matter who you are around, there are just some things that cross a line.  I don't care if your brain is on vacation.  I don't care if it's flat out true.  I don't care if you have a bad habit of speaking before you think.  I don't care if you adhere to the "it's ok to be mean as long as it's funny" mantra.  Some things should just NEVER be said!! 

If you must speak the truth, do so in love and be tactful in your delivery.  Use your filtering system!!  And whatever you do, do NOT follow Tripp's example...

On the other hand, perhaps the real key is to not ask questions for which you aren't prepared to hear an honest answer.  :-)