I see something happening on social media that is troubling to me.  It’s probably been happening for sometime, but it’s just bubbled to the top for me.  It’s a frustrating trend of the “Yeah-buts.”

What do I mean?  It’s simple.

No matter the good news, it’s like someone feels like we have to give the negative “equal time.”

“People are giving coats to the poor!”  Yeah-but some people will take advantage of it.

“We have been improving properties on Main Street!”  Yeah-but there are plenty of buildings that still look bad.

“We have grown our sales!”  Yeah-but our team is more stressed.

While it is important to look at all sides of a story, if all you have to offer is the “yeah-buts” you are stealing joy…plain and simple.  And while you might be saying “I am just telling the truth,” or “Someone needs to say it!”  My push back to you is “what is your solution?”

If you are looking at a challenge, addressing it, and coming up a solution then you are doing good.  If you are just bringing up the negative for every good situation, then you can keep it.

Sometimes the news is bad.  I get that.  We have to understand it and deal with it.

But sometimes the news is good.  There is no need to ruin that for everyone with a “yeah but” just so you can hear your own voice.

Kirby Hasseman is the CEO of Hasseman Marketing, a full service marketing agency located in Ohio.  Learn more about Hasseman Marketing here.  And if you are interested in have him speak at your next event, you can learn more here.