People with good character often say these three things. You must befriend them deeply.

A person’s words are often a true reflection of their inner world. People with good character naturally speak with warmth and weight; just a few sentences can make the listener feel as if they are bathed in a gentle spring breeze. They never use empty flattery or show off their eloquence, but always know how to use the right words to convey kindness and wisdom. If you pay close attention, you will realize that people worth befriending often say these three things. Each phrase contains a valuable quality.

“Let me give this a try.”

The Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky once said, “The greatest courage is the courage to accept responsibility.” Similarly, the Chinese philosopher Xunzi once stated, “Great and difficult tasks reveal a person’s sense of responsibility; favorable or adverse circumstances reveal their magnanimity.”

In life, there are always people who shy away from challenges, often saying, “I can’t do it” or “It’s too hard.” In contrast, people with good character always have the phrase “Let me give this a try” on their minds. This seemingly simple statement holds a trustworthy quality: they don’t shirk responsibility and are willing to bear the burden.

A prominent Vietnamese figure embodying this spirit is the famous general, Hưng Đạo Đại Vương Trần Quốc Tuấn. When the Mongol-Yuan army invaded, and the court faced the risk of collapse, he submitted a firm declaration to the king, “Your Majesty, do not worry; your servant will devote his utmost strength to assisting you, even if it means death.” The phrase “Let me give this a try” is not blind self-confidence but the courage to choose to bear responsibility after clearly recognizing a difficult reality.

Another person, the revolutionary Phan Bội Châu, is a shining example of the spirit of taking responsibility. When the country fell into servitude, he did not hesitate to initiate the Duy Tan and Dong Du movements, even though he knew the path ahead was fraught with difficulties. He believed, “Challenges are where people can do great things.” The phrase “Let me give this a try” from people like him is not blind confidence but the courage to choose to take on a burden after clearly understanding the reality.

In life, many people are accustomed to using “I can’t do it” to evade responsibility, forgetting the potential abilities hidden within the word “try.” When faced with a difficult task at work, some people pass the buck, while others say, “Let me give it a try.” Even if the final result is not perfect, that proactive attitude of taking on responsibility is enough to move people.

People who say “Let me give this a try” don’t make easy promises but act quietly. They understand that true responsibility is not about empty slogans but about using actions to prove, “I am a reliable person.” When you befriend such people, you won’t have to worry about superficiality or being let down, because they always use their shoulders to bear the necessary responsibilities, providing a sense of security and stability.

“That’s my fault. I will fix it.”

The American statesman Benjamin Franklin once said, “There is no mistake so great as not to be repaired by a correcting action.” Likewise, the world cultural icon Confucius taught, “A gentleman is not without fault. What is valuable is the ability to correct one’s mistakes.”

No one is perfect. The difficult thing is, after making a mistake, not to deny or pass the blame but to say honestly, “That’s my fault. I will fix it.” This statement shows a person’s humility and honesty and is also a measure of their character. In Vietnam, we have the saying, “First, blame yourself; then, blame others.” This is a profound philosophy that reminds us of the importance of self-reflection.

In Vietnamese history, Phan Bội Châu is a shining example of the courage to admit fault. He once recognized mistakes in his path to national salvation and bravely acknowledged and self-criticized them to find a better direction. He did not stubbornly cling to old views but was ready to change and reinvent himself.

In contrast, in reality, some people’s first reaction after making a mistake is to find an excuse, blame the circumstances or others, and fail to see their own problems. When a group project goes wrong, some people quickly wash their hands of it, saying, “That’s not my fault.” When arguing, some people insist, “You’re clearly the one who’s wrong.” Such people may win the argument, but they lose the respect of others.

The phrase “That’s my fault. I will fix it,” with just a few words, requires extraordinary courage. It means putting down one’s ego and admitting one’s limitations; it means respecting the truth and not letting one’s pride be a hindrance.

When you are with such people, you won’t have to worry about being criticized or judged because they know how to reflect, grow from their mistakes, and use honesty to resolve conflicts. This humility has the power to bridge distances more than any flowery words.

“It’s okay. Everything will be alright.”

The Japanese Zen master Daisetsu Suzuki once said, “Do not try to escape suffering. Accept it, and it will teach you how to live.” Similarly, the late Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew once said, “Challenges make me stronger, and I believe that after every storm comes a brilliant, sunny day.”

Life always has its ups and downs, and when others are in trouble, some people say harsh things, but others offer the phrase, “It’s okay. Everything will be alright.” This phrase doesn’t contain lofty philosophies but holds an empathy and warmth that moves people.

In Vietnamese culture, the saying “Do not drop your oar just because the waves are high” is a profound encouragement. It is not just advice to persevere but also expresses the belief that difficulties will eventually pass.

In Vietnamese literature, the writer Nam Cao skillfully expressed this empathy through his works. He understood and felt the suffering of the small, unfortunate people in society. His prose was not just a description but a sharing and understanding. He knew that people in difficult circumstances don’t need empty words of encouragement but need to feel, “I understand your suffering.”

Today, we are often accustomed to using words like “cheer up” or “be strong” to show concern, but we forget the power of the three words “It’s okay.” When a friend loses their job, the phrase “It’s okay. Take your time to find something. I believe in you” is much warmer than “What’s the big deal?” When a loved one is upset, the phrase “It’s okay. Let’s go home” is more comforting than “I told you so.”

The phrase “It’s okay. Everything will be alright” holds the inherent kindness of a person. They know how to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and don’t want to impose their values on others. They only use gentle words to say: you don’t have to be strong; I’m willing to wait for the morning with you.

When you befriend such people, you will realize that in the bitterness of life, there is always someone who adds a spoonful of sugar for you, making the path ahead warmer.

Words are like a mirror, reflecting a person’s soul.

A person who often says “Let me give this a try” is trustworthy and willing to bear responsibility. A person who dares to say “That’s my fault. I will fix it” is humble and honest. A person who often says “It’s okay. Everything will be alright” is warm and empathetic.

These three phrases are not intentional communication skills but a natural expression of a person’s character through their words.

Life is not long. May we all become such people and also meet such people. Accompanying them, life will become warmer through sincerity and more stable through trustworthiness.