Too Submissive…Too Agressive...

A COMPARISON-CONTRAST
BEVERLY BRANDES
III BOHR

Are we too submissive that we keep quiet in the face of terrifying deed? Are we too aggressive that we correct without charity and consideration?- Socrates B. Villegas

People can be too submissive or too aggressive. Whenever they are hurt by someone, they either correct that person immediately shouting almost all the bad words they know without realizing the fact that they have hurt even more of that person; or, just make “dedma” and slip away without paying attention to their feelings.

Submissiveness, according to the Webster’s American Dictionary, is a character trait possessed by people who are willing to give in to others. They tend to remain silent whenever they are hurt. They don’t even let out a whimper whenever they are hurt. They just accept things as they are whenever they are hurt. It is as if you can do anything to them but they won’t complain. They don’t show their feelings. They do not tell that they are hurt or even embarrassed. These people give up their opportunity to correct others. They, in the name of patience, fail to work on their responsibilities to lead others to become better persons.

On the other hand, too aggressive people are characterized as persons who are ready to start fight or quarrels. Whenever they are hurt or embarrassed in front of many people, they will not miss the opportunity to correct other people’s mistakes. They will readily tell you that you have hurt them in front of everybody. They correct people without charity. They criticize others but at the same time, not considering the feelings of others as long as they have said what they have wanted say.

But God wants us to be in the middle of being too submissive and too aggressive. If we are hurt, we should talk to them in private, and let him/her know that you are hurt and embarrassed. We are not perfect. We commit mistakes. We just have to do the right thing and stand for what’s ethical. So the next time we are hurt, let’s not just slip away from it or shout immediately, but rather stop, feel, think. Maybe we can help them change to a better being, and so do we to ourselves.