The Face Trap: Why Giving Others More Dignity Risks Everything

Many things cut both ways. The more people butter you up, the bolder you get, and before long you cross a line—then overnight everyone who praised you will turn on you, and you won’t even have a chance to backpedal.

Only a father and son dare speak such unwelcome truths to each other. Outsiders are there to pile on when you’re down or pour salt on your wounds—very few actually have your best interests at heart.

So give others face, but don’t go around seeking it for yourself.