I liked your point, Amirtha. Tit for tat may make us feel relieved after expressing strong feelings, but it does not help resolve the matter and may even escalate it to the next step: animosity. We have to understand that by winning a point (immediate success), one may lose the ultimate (friendship). Hence, it is necessary to make an informed and enlightened decision about keeping friendship intact or being frank and blunt.
Belief in Solutions
We also have to start with a belief that "A Solution to the Problem is Available." In fact, "A Problem Remains a Problem because of the Absence of a Solution." This is where "Answers to the Questions: What to Say? When to Say? & How to Say?" assume importance. Knowing all this may not always help as impulsive immediate (many times reckless) action can defeat logic and land us with a poor result.
Sanskrit Wisdom
I quote a Sanskrit saying, an advice by our forefathers: It says, "Satyam Brooyat" (Talk Truth), "Priyam Brooyat" (Talk which is pleasing to the listener) "na Brooyat Satyam Apriyam!" (but "Do Not Talk the Truth if it is Not Priyam i.e. Likeable").
Indeed, pointing out a mistake invariably leads to defending one's own behavior by the other person, which means the beginning of an argument. "Argument," they say, "leads to the freezing of opinions and stopping of discussion."
Importance of Communication
Your communique does not say that one should not be frank but insists on not being blunt. So there is no objection to expressing an opinion; what is stressed is "Give Importance to How You Say It."
That is why I feel that until it is imbibed in mind, we should revisit the ppt/the thought process to remind us of the need for patience. Maybe the usage of proper words and the tone while making the point would also matter. I have personally liked the input very much.
Regards,
Dr. Ulhas Ganu