How would you react if...?

Hello stemians

How Would You React If...? My Honest Take

This life we’re living comes with plenty of "what ifs." Sometimes, you don’t even have time to prepare something just happens and boom, you’re forced to react on the spot. No rehearsal, no warning. That’s why I love this topic, because it made me sit down and ask myself questions I’d never really considered before. My reactions may not be perfect or what you expect, but they are real. This is me, answering from my chest.

How would you react if your lifelong best friend confessed they were in love with you?

Let me not lie I’ll freeze a little. Especially if I never suspected anything or never saw the signs. I’d be surprised more than anything. I might even laugh awkwardly just to calm the tension. But I wouldn’t be upset, not at all. Love isn’t something to be ashamed of.

I’d honestly admire the person for finding the boldness to say it. A lot of people carry love in their hearts for years and never speak up. So for them to finally talk, it means they trust me and are tired of pretending. Whether or not I feel the same way is another story entirely. But I’d be kind about it. Nobody should be punished for being honest about their feelings. If I don’t feel that way, I’ll tell them gently. If I do feel the same—well, who knows what story might unfold from there?

How would you react if a stranger gave you a new car and said, “Use it properly”?

First reaction: I go look left and right to confirm I'm not being pranked. You know in this our Nigeria, you must shine your eyes. I’d ask the person if they’re serious, and I might even follow them with questions like, “Why me?” “Are you okay?” “What’s the condition?” But if it turns out to be real and clean, I’d be overwhelmed.

You know how many people pray for just transport fare? Now imagine someone handing you keys to a whole car. That’s huge. That kind of blessing isn’t ordinary. I would see it as a divine setup and take that “use it properly” statement as a strong warning. That gift would not be for show. I’d use it to serve myself and others. Even if it means offering free rides once in a while, I’ll do it. That kind of gift mustn’t be misused.

How would you react if someone close to you told you a painful truth during an argument?

That one hits different. I know myself once I hear a deep, painful truth that I never imagined, I’d go quiet. I’m not the shouting type, especially when something cuts deep. I’d just inhale and stare at the person. In my mind I’ll be thinking, “So this thing has been on your mind all this while?”

Truth is, arguments have a way of exposing hidden feelings. When people get emotional, they stop sugarcoating. It will hurt me more that they kept it inside for so long. Even after the argument is over, I might find myself replaying their words in my head over and over. It’s not something I’d just brush aside. I might forgive, but it’ll stay with me. It’ll change something in how I relate with them.

How would you react if a family member asked you to borrow a large sum of money that you knew they wouldn’t pay back?

E go choke. I’ve been in similar situations, so I know how hard it is to say no to blood. But money is not beans, especially these days. If I know deep down they won’t return it and the money is too much for me to dash, I won’t give it. I’ll explain with love, but I’ll be honest. Because I don’t want a situation where tomorrow I’m blaming myself or harboring silent anger.

If I can part with the money as a gift and it won’t shake me, I’ll do it and move on. But if it’ll break my back or cause problems for me, I’ll respectfully decline. Family is important, but so is peace of mind. And once money enters the middle, things can get complicated real fast.

How would you react if someone who hurt you in the past came to you with tears, asking for forgiveness?

I’m a very emotional person. If I see them crying, especially if I can see the pain in their eyes, it’ll touch me. I believe in forgiveness. Carrying hurt around is a heavy burden. If someone is bold enough to come and ask for forgiveness, I see it as a sign of maturity and growth. That alone deserves some respect.

Will I forgive them? Yes. Will things return to the way they were? Not immediately. Trust, once broken, needs to be rebuilt. I’ll give them grace, but I’ll also protect my heart. Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting. I’ll remember what happened, but I won’t use it to judge them forever. Everybody deserves a chance to start again.

How would you react if you won a huge prize, but had to move abroad to claim it?

Ha! I go first shout, roll on the floor, and then freeze. As someone who’s always imagined living outside the country, that would be a dream come true. But I won’t lie there’ll be fear too. Change is never easy, especially when it involves leaving family and everything you know behind.

I’d think of the opportunities that lie ahead. I’d think of how many people would wish for that chance. I’d see it as a blessing with some sacrifice attached. After weighing everything, I’d go. Life doesn’t always give you second chances. I’d take the risk and see what happens on the other side. That kind of blessing doesn’t come every day.

How would you react if someone told you a secret that could completely change your relationship with them?

It depends on the secret. If it’s something they did that affected me directly, I’d feel betrayed. I won’t lie, my chest would be heavy. But if they came clean on their own, I’d respect that. Nobody likes being lied to or kept in the dark. It may change how I view them, but at least I’ll know they were brave enough to tell me.

The real question would be: can I live with the truth? Some secrets can be forgiven, others can only be tolerated from a distance. I’d give myself time to decide if the relationship is worth saving or if space is needed. Either way, I’ll never forget that they were honest and that counts for something.

How would you react if a close friend starts to succeed while you feel stuck?

That one is real. It has happened to many people, whether they admit it or not. If I’m being completely honest, I’ll feel a small sting. I’ll start asking myself, “What am I doing wrong?” But that feeling won’t last long. I’ll remind myself that everyone has their time.

I’d be genuinely happy for my friend. I’ll even promote their work, share their achievements, and pray for more wins. But at the same time, I’ll go back and re-strategize my own life. Their success would push me, not discourage me. I believe that if someone close to me can win, it means God is in the neighborhood. My own door will open soon.

Final Words

Life is full of surprises, some sweet, some sour. But I believe every reaction we give is a reflection of the kind of person we are. I always try to stay true to myself, even when the situation is tough. Whether it’s love, money, betrayal, or success, my goal is to handle it with grace, honesty, and wisdom.

We may not have control over what happens to us, but we can choose how we respond. And that choice can change everything.

Thanks for reading my heart, not just my words.

Written with all sincerity by me @etoro
Inviting @imohmitch @kwinberry @peachyladiva

Dile no a la sangre. Pero el dinero no es oro, sobre todo hoy en día. Si sé en el fondo que no me lo devolverán y es demasiado para mí, no lo daré. Lo explicaré con cariño, pero seré sincero. Porque no quiero una situación en la que mañana me culpe o guarde rencor silencioso.

Si puedo dar el dinero como regalo y no me afecta, lo haré y seguiré adelante. Pero si me va a romper la espalda o me causa problemas, lo rechazaré respetuosamente. La familia es importante, pero también lo es la paz mental. Y cuando el dinero entra en juego, las cosas se pueden complicar muy rápido.

¿Cómo reaccionarías si alguien que te lastimó en el pasado viniera a ti con lágrimas en los ojos, pidiéndote perdón?

Soy una persona muy sensible. Si lo veo llorar, sobre todo si veo el dolor en sus ojos, me conmoverá. Creo en el perdón. Cargar con el dolor es una carga pesada. Si alguien tiene la valentía de venir a pedir perdón, lo veo como una señal de madurez y crecimiento. Eso por sí solo merece respeto.

¿Lo perdonaré? Sí. ¿Volverán las cosas a ser como antes? No inmediatamente. La confianza, una vez rota, necesita reconstruirse. Les daré compasión, pero también protegeré mi corazón. Perdonar no significa olvidar. Recordaré lo que pasó, pero no lo usaré para juzgarlos eternamente. Todos merecen la oportunidad de empezar de nuevo.

¿Cómo reaccionarías si ganaras un gran premio, pero tuvieras que mudarte al extranjero para reclamarlo?

¡Ja! Primero grito, me revuelco en el suelo y luego me quedo paralizado. Como alguien que siempre ha imaginado vivir fuera del país, sería un sueño hecho realidad. Pero no miento, también habrá miedo. El cambio nunca es fácil, especialmente cuando implica dejar atrás a la familia y todo lo que conoces.

Pensaría en las oportunidades que te esperan. Pensaría en cuántas personas desearían tener esa oportunidad. Lo vería como una bendición con cierto sacrificio. Después de sopesarlo todo, me iría. La vida no siempre te da segundas oportunidades. Me arriesgaría y vería qué pasa. Ese tipo de bendición no se da todos los días.

¿Cómo reaccionarías si alguien te contara un secreto que podría cambiar por completo tu relación con esa persona?

Depende del secreto. Si es algo que hizo y me afectó directamente, me sentiría traicionado. No mentiría, me pesaría. Pero si se sinceraran por sí mismos, lo respetaría. A nadie le gusta que le mientan o que lo oculten. Puede que cambie mi perspectiva sobre ellos, pero al menos sabré que tuvieron la valentía de contármelo.

La verdadera pregunta sería: ¿puedo vivir con la verdad? Algunos secretos se pueden perdonar, otros solo se pueden tolerar desde la distancia. Me daría tiempo para decidir si vale la pena guardar la relación o si se necesita espacio. Sea como sea, nunca olvidaré que fueron honestos y eso cuenta. ¿Cómo reaccionarías si un amigo cercano empieza a tener éxito mientras tú te sientes estancado?

Es real. Le ha pasado a mucha gente, lo admitan o no. Siendo completamente honesto, sentiré una pequeña punzada. Empezaré a preguntarme: "¿Qué estoy haciendo mal?". Pero esa sensación no durará mucho. Recordaré que cada uno tiene su tiempo.

Me alegraría sinceramente por mi amigo. Incluso promocionaría su trabajo, compartiría sus logros y rezaría por más victorias. Pero al mismo tiempo, replantearía mi propia estrategia de vida. Su éxito me impulsaría, no me desanimaría. Creo que si alguien cercano a mí puede ganar, significa que Dios está cerca. Mi propia puerta se abrirá pronto.

Palabras Finales

La vida está llena de sorpresas, algunas dulces, otras amargas. Pero creo que cada reacción que damos refleja la clase de persona que somos. Siempre intento ser fiel a mí misma, incluso en situaciones difíciles. Ya sea amor, dinero, traición o éxito, mi objetivo es manejarlo con gracia, honestidad y sabiduría.

Puede que no tengamos control sobre lo que nos sucede, pero podemos elegir cómo respondemos. Y esa decisión puede cambiarlo todo.

Gracias por leer mi corazón, no solo mis palabras.