‘Marjorie’ just can’t take hint

I have a friend, “Marjorie,” who prides herself on being honest and making sure that she addresses problems in relationships as soon as she sees them. The problem is that she seems to care more about being “honest” than being sensitive about what she’s saying.

Many of the things that she perceives as problems will work themselves out, but when Marjorie kicks into “solving mode,” an unpleasant confrontation results. She can’t understand why people don’t like it when she does these things.

How can I get the point across without resorting to acting like she does? — Frustrated in Fresno

Dear Fresno: I don’t think you can.

Marjorie sounds like one of those people who can never — nor will ever be able to — take a hint.

You’re going to have to sit Marjorie down and explain as honestly and forthrightly as possible that her “brutal honesty is the best policy” is ticking her friends off and that she shouldn’t express her opinion every time her brain bubbles one up.

Let her know that she isn’t helping anyone, and that maybe the next time she feels like butting in and “solving” things, she should take a deep breath and then pour herself a tall frosty mug of Shut The Heck Up.

Brutal. Yup.

Honest. You betcha.

Will it hurt Marjorie’s feelings? Maybe. If she actually listens to you. But the only way she’s going to change her ways is to experience what she’s been putting her friends through.