As the popular saying goes, “When people show you who they are, believe them.” Maya Angelou said that to Oprah once during an interview as they discussed the disappointment Oprah was feeling towards a man she was dating at the time. But I feel that this is a valuable lesson regardless of the situation. People will always show you who they are. They may tell you something different, but if you really pay attention to the way they behave, they don’t need to say a word.
Words don’t mean a thing if there’s no substance to back them up. Forget what you’re hearing. Look at what you’re being shown. And be smart enough to listen to that inner voice that may sometimes tell you things you do not want to hear, but will always give you the honesty you deserve. Whether you listen to it depends on how honest you want to be with yourself. Because once you’ve realized the truth, it’s hard to stay in a situation that doesn’t serve you in any positive way.
Sometimes it’s a client or employer who is clearly not a right fit simply shown by the way they treat you, or a friend who says she’ll be there for you but can’t be bothered to help in a time of need. Or even a boyfriend who always shows up late for your dates and doesn’t call when he says he will. Whatever the red flags are, be aware and listen to that inner voice; it will always tell you when it’s time to let go.
