The Tao of “No” to pleasing people

When I laughed, they said “Can’t you ever be modest?” When I cried, they said “Don’t you ever smile?” When I smiled, they said “You’re showing off.” When I frowned, they said “You started showing your true colors”. When I kept silent, they said “You have a feeble tongue.” When I spoke, they said “You are too talkative.” When I was tolerant, they called it cowardice. And said “Had you been brave, you would have taken a revenge.” When I showed up some courage, they said it is reckless, And that I wouldn’t have behaved so if I were poised. When I said NO, they thought I’m odd. When I agreed with them, they called me a blind follower. So it became certain, that no matter how hard I try, Pleasing people will bring me nothing but pillory. Translated into English by Dina Al-Mahdy

• I laughed and they said won’t you ever be bashful I cried and they said won’t you ever smile I smiled and they said he is showing off I frowned and they said now we see what he’s really been hiding I was silent and they said he’s tongue-tied I spoke and they said he sure has a lot to say I forbore and they said what cowardice For if he was able he would’ve taken revenge I fought honorably and they said what recklessness And he wouldn’t have been aggressive had he been wise They say he is not a team player if I said no And a yes-man if I agreed with them So I’ve become certain that whenever I seek People’s pleasure, I will undoubtedly be faulted