My Favorite Childhood Book: “George and Martha”
“That’s silly,’ said Martha. ‘Friends should always tell each other the truth.'”
There’s a moment in James Marshall’s classic “George and Martha” where Martha keeps serving George bowl after bowl of split pea soup. She loves it. George doesn’t.
But George is polite. He’s a good friend. He swallows spoonful after spoonful until finally—he can’t take it anymore. George pours the soup into his shoes and Martha sees him do it.
And you know what happens?
Martha doesn’t explode. She doesn’t shame him. She laughs, “Why didn’t you tell me?” George was suffering silently for the sake of politeness. For the sake of not disappointing a friend.
How many times have you eaten the metaphorical split pea soup?
Said yes when you meant no. Sat quietly while something bothered you. Hid your discomfort, your needs, your preferences, because you didn’t want to rock the boat.
Speaking up doesn’t make you difficult.
It makes you honest.
It makes the relationship real.
Whether it’s soup, a boundary, or a belief—speak it. Speaking up may shake the moment, but it strengthens the relationship.
TAKE ACTION: let your preferences be known. Your needs matter. Your voice matters.
Make it a strong day!
Where Do I Need to Speak Up for Myself?