Noah Hunter told Sophie that she's very blunt, but she took it as a compliment. Did you agree? Do you consider yourself blunt? Do you consider the term an insult or high praise?

Noah Hunter told Sophie that she's very blunt, but she took it as a compliment. Did you agree? Do you consider yourself blunt? Do you consider the term an insult or high praise?

I think it is a matter of degree. I think it is important to be honest and clear in my statements. However, the truth can usually be told clearly without hurting feelings. If I was told by others that I tell the truth with compassion and grace I would consider that high praise.

I think Sophie might be blunt for the behavior and temperament of the late 1800's, especially for a woman of color. By today's measure she might not appear blunt at all. I don't consider myself blunt and am probably overly sensitive to how my remarks might be taken.

I'll be honest. I don't shy away from being blunt. I might even call myself a bitch. Are men offended if they are called blunt?

I've always thought of myself as very truthful, and I'm also not very creative, so it's always been hard for me to sugar-coat what I'm trying to get across. I was comfortable with this until I met my future husband, who I found I was constantly offending. He's the one who really made me realize that I am VERY blunt, and that it's not always a good thing. I've never really taken it as an insult, but I'm glad to know how I can come across and have tried to temper my communication accordingly.

I appreciate a degree of bluntness from another person as it helps me to fathom more quickly who they are. I do not mean glib or purposeful insult, but saying something and "making it real" has a lot going for it, especially in today's convoluted world. I would say that I can be blunt when I am trying to get across a point that needs to be made clear quickly.

Being told that one is blunt can be taken as an insult by a sensitive person but for others it can prove that one has the courage of their convictions. I never thought Sophie's words were insulting-just that she had a good mind and wasn't afraid of expressing herself. I admired her for that.

I tend to think of myself as a peacemaker and it would upset me to be called blunt. But for a character in her time and situation, that sort of attitude was necessary for her to be able to practice her profession with strength.

I agree with Shirleyl above, bluntness told with passion and grace would be high praise and something to aspire to. I'm rather blunt and a lot of the time, not with enough passion and grace, and I'd like to do better moving forward. However, there is so much BS in the world and with people we deal with, it is hard to tell when someone is speaking the truth. I have a saying, "don't ask me the question if you don't want to hear the answer". That saves both of us a lot of grief as I have no problem speaking my mind but most people don't want to hear my answer as they aren't interested in my truth about the subject at hand or worst case scenario, about themselves.

From what I understood in the book Noah was a Native American. There was mention of his long braided hair and tan skin. If this is true, then for the 1800s time I think he was complimenting her. It's possible its the first time he had experienced a lady being blunt and was pointing it out. I would consider myself blunt, but have learned to choose my battles. It's a good quality to have, in my opinion, but also requires some responsibility.

I do not consider myself blunt. I never want to hurt anyone's feelings. Considering the time this takes place, I doubt women were very seldom blunt. I do not believe it was taken as a complement.

I do not consider myself blunt. I never want to hurt anyone's feelings. Considering the time this takes place, I doubt women were very seldom blunt. I do not believe it was taken as a complement.

I think Momo's comment above is interesting, and I agree, I think with her statement. Noah, given his culture, would notice bluntness in a woman of Sophie's race and color so he is more commenting on her delivery as unusual rather than accusing her of being outspoken or complementing her. This is how I read the quote. I am not blunt; I'm shy and live more in my head. I may think things, but most often do not say them.

I would prefer to interact with someone who is blunt versus someone who is so careful about what they say that I have no idea where they stand.

I agree with robertaw and momo. I would say I can be blunt. Men are rarely criticized for being blunt or even described as such. I also think those in the medical profession often cannot afford to sugarcoat their statements, nor are they always afforded the time , or even would be benefited by choosing to reconstitute an order or statement to be less “ blunt”.

Yup, I think he admired her lack of artifice. I'm forthright in speaking but am not sure I'd say I was blunt--though I may be at times. Yes, I think it is a compliment if it is said in appreciation of clarity rather than a criticism of lack of PC

I much prefer bluntness to beating around the bush, though tactfulness is important, as well. As a woman in that era, a woman of any color, being blunt is probably the exception, and being called out on it would probably be considered an insult; but Sophie is smart and strong-willed, and not be be intimidated.

Is there such a thing as gracefully blunt? That is how I viewed Sophie and for that time, I can see why she would think it a compliment. So did I. I consider myself blunt and not
gracefully so but I call it "getting to the point".

I do agree about it being a compliment. Too many things are sugar coated these days.

Sophie is blunt but not brutal. I appreciate a blunt person; I feel I can trust them more. I wish I was more blunt!