B – Bharat, the Blunt Truth-Teller: BlogchatterA2Z

You never have to wonder what Bharat is thinking—because he’ll tell you. Directly. Bluntly. Without a second of hesitation. If honesty is a virtue, then Bharat has an excess of it. But if diplomacy is an art, well… let’s just say he failed that class.

He’s the kind of guy who thinks sugarcoating is a waste of time, subtlety is pointless, and if the truth stings, well—that’s your problem, not his.

A few months after finishing chemotherapy, I ran into Bharat. We hadn’t seen each other in years, and my hair—after its exit during treatment—was finally making an entrance. I had moved on from the totally bald look and was now rocking the bad guy look.

I was prepared for some kind of reaction. A warm hug? A simple “Hey, good to see you!” Maybe even a “Wow, you look great!” (Yes, I was being optimistic or should I say silly?!)

Instead, Bharat stared at me.

I watched as his forehead wrinkled in deep confusion. Then, after an uncomfortably long pause, he finally said:

“Wait… is that YOU?”

I blinked. Who else would it be?

Before I could respond, he continued.

“Damn. You look… different. I almost didn’t recognize you.”

Well, no kidding, Bharat. I have a mirror. I know I look different.

I forced a smile. “Yeah, well… chemo will do that to you.”

Did he pick up on my sarcasm? No. Instead, he nodded thoughtfully and here’s what he said:

“You kinda look like one of those edgy teens now. You know, the ones who chop their hair short for ‘the gothic look’?”

I just laughed and told him, “It’s so good to see you Bharat!”

He knew I had just battled cancer but, I refrained from reminding him that. Not because I didn’t want to talk about it but worried about his response to that reminder.

Want to know about another classic Bharat Moment?

A few years ago, I had an important job interview. After agonizing over what to wear, I picked a sharp, professional outfit that made me feel confident and ready to take on the world.

Bharat was pitching for the same position hence, we sat together in the waiting room.

Then I made the mistake of asking Bharat for his opinion.

Me: “How do I look?”

Bharat: (looks me up and down, tilts his head and, with a frown says) “Hmm… this outfit makes you look very young.”

The way he stressed on young and the way he frowned didn’t feel like he meant it as a compliment. So, I asked him.

Me: “Excuse me, what do you mean?”

Bharat: “You know, you look like an amateur who has recently graduated”

I had ten minutes before I would be called for my interview. And now, instead of focusing on my interview, I was spiraling into an existential crisis over whether I looked like an amateur and not someone about to lead a team.

Thanks, Bharat. Very helpful.

The Blunt Truth-Teller reminds us that honesty is important—but so is timing and tact. Sure, sometimes we need a reality check. But other times? Maybe just a nod and a smile would do.

We all know a Bharat—the one who will tell you if your haircut is weird, your outfit is bad, or your life choices are questionable. They’re frustrating, sometimes hilarious, and almost never wrong (which is the worst part).

But at the end of the day? At least you know they’ll never lie to you.

Do you have a Bharat in your life? Or… are YOU the Bharat in your friend group?

I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z"

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