Ask consent to share, name your fallibility, and anchor claims in shared values. Prefer concrete stories over sweeping labels; describe impacts before inferring motives. Pace disclosures so they can be borne, pair critique with a path forward, and keep dignity intact—“firm on truth, soft on people.” When rupture is unavoidable, stabilize the relationship before pressing the point. Over time, like water shaping stone, steady gentleness reforms habits and systems. In this way, truth accomplishes its purpose: it shapes, and none need be left in shards. [...]
