i think tough love should be a last resort. if u try to get through to someone in a gentle and sensitive matter and they either dont budge or get worse, obviously they need a good dose of tough love. i generally respond alot better to the initial gentle, more sensitive approach.

manner not matter** oops

I appreciate people who are TACTFUL. That's something I think that has been lost on most people. You can be tough and get your point across without totally cutting the other person down with tact.

In theory, sometimes people need "tough love," but I also think too many people think "tough love" is an excuse to be rude when the situation doesn't call for it.

Sometimes we need tough love, definitely. My sis is convinced it works well for me. Tell me I can't do something I will prove you wrong. Although, sometimes I just want to kick her ass.

It depends...

Oh man.. depending on how tough they are I usually just swallow it but for the most part I don't respond well at all. Like, I'm not a brat about it--when someone gives me tough love I listen, I nod, I completely understand they mean well and that I need it--but it still makes me cry.

Generally, no. I prefer the message to be delivered with sensitivity. Likewise, I try to treat the person the same way.

I'm with KadBunny. It doesn't matter if they're well-intentioned, I'll probably cry anyway.

LOL, I'd probably cry too...luckily, I've never needed "tough love".

Tough love = loveless for me. I don't think I could really do it, but it all depends on the situation. I'm not going to help someone do something to harm themselves or others ~_^.

Yeah I would probably cry about it at first buy boy would I shape up. I mean, there's nothing like a direct statement about what I'm doing wrong for me to get my butt in gear.

But I definitely do appreciate morgokhal's comment about tactfulness. I think that's key.

I don't respond well to it. When people aren't sensitive with me, I tend to withdraw and get defensive and make the situation worse. Luckily, my husband and I try to be sensitive to each other when we bring up issues.

I'm big on tough love. I think it's great that someone that cares bout you is willing to show it--no matter how boldly they present it. Though there is a line between tough love and obsession.

I'm big on tough love. I think it's great that someone that cares bout you is willing to show it--no matter how boldly they present it. Though there is a line between tough love and obsession.

I'm good at dishing it out but I can't take it. When someone uses "tough" love on me I feel like I'm being personally attacked and my first reaction is to defend myself and sometimes I have to hold back tears. Later on when I'm alone I reflect on what was said and think of how I can apply it. The sensitive approach works much better with me because I actually listen and don't get defensive and shut down.

I think some people just don't get it, tough love is needed.