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There are quite a few instances in which opening our mouths is not the best idea. We want to say something, but is it really the right time or the right thing to say?

Don’t get me wrong, I am a firm believer in the whole ‘always say what you mean and mean what you say’ but that doesn’t mean that on occasion it isn’t better to just say nothing at all. While it may be hard to not speak up or say what you want to say it might be the right thing to do.

Below you will find a list of instances that call for not saying anything at all. Within reason sometimes the instances do call for speaking up, but chances are you will be able to tell the difference. Knowing when to not speak is just as important as knowing when to speak.

10 Instances When You Should Probably Just Keep Your Mouth Shut:

1. When what you are saying makes you sound ‘defensive.’

Saying something that portrays you in a manner you are not is not ideal. If you are not being defensive, don’t sound as though you are. Sometimes, we may come off in ways we do not realize. Thinking before we speak is important.

2. When it would only make the situation worse.

If what you are going to say will make things worse, why waste your breath? If it isn’t worth saying don’t say it. There is no sense in wasting your time when things are only going to escalate further. Be the bigger/better person.

3. When what you are saying makes you even more pissed.

If what you are about to say is making your blood boil, you need to take a step back. Stop what you are doing and relax. Walk away if you must but don’t let anger overwhelm your senses.

4. When what you are saying makes you sound close-minded.

If you are not a close-minded person, sounding close-minded is not ideal. When situations like this arise think about what you’re saying and what it means for you. Is what you are saying close-minded?

5. When someone is purposely trying to get a rise out of you.

Do not give power to those who only wish to bring you down. They do not deserve your validation or your time. Ignore the ‘haters.’

6. When it reinforced bad behavior.

If what you are going to say is reinforcing bad behavior you shouldn’t say it. When someone is doing something they shouldn’t do they need to know that they shouldn’t do it not that they did something good through it. You have to look at the bigger picture.

7. When it gives power to those who taunt you.

If those who are bullying you or being rude to you are trying to get you to respond, don’t. They do not deserve your acknowledgment. Go about things differently, don’t stoop to their level.

8. When it offends others without solving anything.

If what you are going to say is offending others and not really serving any kind of purpose it is pointless. There is no sense in upsetting the rest of the world for no reason. We were not meant to act this way.

9. When it hurts the feelings of others for no reason.

If you are hurting other people without reason you need to stop. Sometimes we do not realize how powerful our words are. Constructive criticism can really hurt, especially when it was not asked for.

10. When it is not going to change anything.

If saying what you want to say is not going to change anything is it worth saying at all? Would wasting your breath make you feel better? Chances are getting everything out will only make you feel worse depending on the situation.