We are all different and so are the ways in which we think. Some stay to their point and logic that explains facts to them and some are receptive to opinions and easily understand other’s point of view.
Many a times, it a not about right or wrong but it is about what’s better – to bend or to break?
Bending may mean many things at one time – calming down to listen, understanding the intent, gauging where does this fit in the larger scheme of things, accepting what was offered and staying content over the choice made. Breaking on the other hand means assuming that what one is thinking is the only solution, putting one’s foot down and staying firm.
It could be breaking self or breaking the mold and sometimes it’s bending ideologies which is also not easy.What’s important is picking the right battle and choosing where bending keeps us happy over the long run. Think how will this matter in five years of time and then if you are happy, put your foot down but before that try bending and trust me, sometimes it works better.
That’s just my way but I would love to know what do you think?
I am tagging this post for both #MicroblogMondays and #MondayMusings.
happiness and food 
I think there are situations that need the “break”. But yes, I agree with you. That flexibility to first look at where the move or decision is headed is important, and will be helpful in the long run. 🙂
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Yes Vinay! That’s my point. Assess to see what works best. 🙂 Thank you!
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The tricky part is to know what stance to take when – when to bend and when to stay firm.
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That’s the catch! Pick your battle, see what it means 5 years down the line and decide 🙂
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Bending down may work sometimes. When you know that the opposite person might think about your sacrifice,
But otherwise, it doesn’t make sense bowing down to everyone’s will!
You need to put your foot down and make your demands clear.. Hence I totally agree with you, Parul! 🙂
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Bowing down to everyone’s will, no way! It never should be a sacrifice. It should be the right thing to do and not a matter of weakness but strength to accept. 🙂
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I always ask the question – will this matter in 5 years times, or even a months time – it is a good guidance for me on whether to bend or break.
Found you on the Road Trip 🙂
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Same here! Thank you so much Yvonne for stopping by!
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Depends on the situation, right. Now to identify what the situation depends and what we want to do and the repercussions of the decision down the lane, it’s a whole different matter. Sometimes I do feel, living is hard with all the choices we get to make and we are forced to make!
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I agree with you there. It’s not easy!
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I think it’s about the wisdom to decide when to bend and when to break, as both may be appropriate in different situations. And, as you say, it’s important to choose your battles.
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Yes Laurel. Both are correct – in just different situations.
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Your post reminds me of the bamboo tree. There is an expression though I can’t recall it exactly, but I believe along the lines of how important and/or ideal it is to bend like one. They are stiff and yet they are pliable as well! 😉 ❤
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What a wonderful example you have cited. Thanks Elly for that little piece of zing to the whole thought 🙂
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I agree, every such decision is situation-dependent.
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Yep! 🙂
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Bending is many a times the right way. Even I prefer to bend than break.
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Many times, yes. Sometimes, we just need to put our foot down. Thanks for stopping by Rekha!
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I would like to think that I bend when it’s the right thing to do, Parul but there are somethings that I’d rather ‘break’ than compromise on my beliefs. I’m not sure which is the harder thing to do. But when you’re doing what is right, you do get the strength to carry through.
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I totally agree with you. Like if I had to compromise on my values and play by my sense of ethics, I would never bend. But if it’s about another approach, or a decision that is to be made, I can bend. Thanks Corinne for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
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Sane advise really… Life is not about ones and zeros and sometimes it’s okay to bend..Ofcourse, we need to remember this at the right moment!
Acceptance, Approval & Tolerance #1000Speak #MondayMusings
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Thanks Nabanita! Yes, we need to remember this and use this in our life’s everyday situations.
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I love the “bend or break” metaphor. It can be applied to dealing with someone else’s behavior, or also to your own circumstances and what your tolerance is for a situation or how much you’re willing to endure. Also, coping skills — being flexible (bending) versus being rigid (and ultimately breaking). Love it! I try to bend as much as possible, because I’ve broken before and it sucks. But is necessary sometimes. Good food for thought!
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Thanks Jess! Glad you liked the post 🙂
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I agree that bending before breaking (whenever possible) is ideal. Bending builds bridges. Breaking sometimes destroys them.
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Yeah one mustn’t stretch things too far that it snaps, relationships are like that.
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I agree with you there.
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Either is okay, as long as it keeps us happy in the longer run!!
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Totally agree. Thank you Madhavi for stopping by!
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Such a different take on a moral code. Very refreshing and very very interesting!
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Thanks!
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brought to mind a poem, the oak and the rushes…and yes, to bend is always better!
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🙂 That’s beautiful.. Thanks for sharing!
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I guess it’s all about knowing the way to react and take a decision appropriately. As far as I am concerned a decision shouldn’t be taken in any hurry. We need to really evaluate all the possibilities, pros and cons and then go for it. But then again, it’s not always that we have time to think practically and all the possibilities. In such a case, if we really have an opinion and feel strongly about something, then we need to go ahead with that thinking.
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Totally agree!
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