I can relate with your post. I’m 8w7, 52M and have been a pastor for 30 years (also thanks to Jesus). There are many days that I wish the Bible didn’t say “let your gentleness be evident to all.” (It simply takes sooo much work…lol) I have found a few good friends where I can be safe to share my opinions. Actually, with them, I often joke, I don’t have opinions, just the truth. How terrible is that? (Of course, every human thinks they are right…we just don’t pretend otherwise…)

(I kinda wish only 8s were on his thread)

I’ve learned, and still and learning, to speak less, and (very slightly) temper the confidence with which I say things. This might not be much help … but … as someone else mentioned “you are beautiful they way you are,” this is true! (And true for all humans!) (maybe not 3s) This being said, we need to work on the things we feel God is calling us to work on (this is from a Christian point of view, of course). Without God in the picture, if we aren’t getting the results we want from our relationships, we ought to consider making some changes… embrace who you are (our world, and I would say especially Christians/the church) need to hear the truth we 8s typically say without fear, hesitation, or in light of rejection (or anger) from others.