by cody18

Created on: January 18, 2007   Last Updated: March 17, 2009

All of us have been there. We are clueless that something we think we do very well, we actually stink at.

Sometimes it is best to just let it go when a friend has a "talent" that is not really a talent in the eyes of everyone else. If their "talent" is not harming them (or others) and is not something that is consuming their life, let it go. It may be annoying, but if they are happy thinking that they are the superstar at the karaoke bar, let them have their moment. However, sometimes it is best to speak the truth to them. For example, if you have a friend that truely believes they can become a professional singer and is trying to actively pursue this dream, but has no talent and can not carry a tune it is best to tell them in an attempt to spare them from wasting time, energy and money on something that is just not meant to be. What your friend does with the truth afterwards is their own decision. They may decide to take your advice and stop singing, dancing, or whatever it may be, but you also must be prepared for the chance that they will not take your advice and will continue to do whatever it is that they think they are great at.

When confronting a delusional friend try to be gentle and loving and tell them in private. Do not embarrass them by pointing out their lack of talent in front of others and do not be mean or cruel in expressing how you feel. Remember this person is your friend and you want the best for them you do not want to leave them feeling like they have been beaten down and are good at nothing. Be honest with your friend and tell them you think they should be pursuing other avenues because this particular area does not work for them. Explain to your friend how you feel when you see them doing whatever the activity is and help them to see how they are being perceived by others.

After you have explained to your friend that they are not good at whatever, offer your friend some encouragement. Tell them the areas that you do think they have talent. Help them to see that while they may not be the best at what they think they are good at, there are other areas that other people really do think they have talent in and encourage them to pursue those things. If you are a true friend you see many amazing things about that person so encourage them to do more of what they are good at.

Each person is unique and has talent, it just might not be the talent they think they have or that they want to have.

Learn more about this author, cody18.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.