Life Should #19

Never assume you know what is happening in another person's life  

You are usually wrong and will end up feeling and looking foolish

This one is not unlike Life Should #9 but still deserving of it’s own category.  I’m referring to those situations when we really should give a person the “benefit of the doubt.”  For those times we think someone is being unnecessarily rude, standoffish, and suspicious.  Or, from a different side, for those times we think someone is arrogant, over-confident, bossy, etc.  More often than not there is something much more significant happening in that person’s life.  Some insecurity, bad memory, or challenge they are facing that is unknown by the rest of us.  As an example, someone cuts you off in some way.  Sure, they could just be an asshole.  Or, they could be rushing off to help someone or have a panic in their lives they feel unable to share. 

If we ourselves are experiencing a bad day, does it not worsen when someone acts poorly to us?  I’m not at all saying we should accept bad behavior just because someone is having a bad day.  We should all strive to behave well under all circumstances.  But, we also need to remember that people have different life experiences and tools (or the lack thereof) to deal with stress.  So, if someone walks by in the office without saying good morning, rather than assuming they are purposefully snubbing you, perhaps assume they are running late because they have a sick child, parent, or spouse they care for and have much on their mind.  Perhaps you can offer some kindness instead.

[Thought to be considered while enjoying a piece of Berry Pie - always so much more going on in there than you expect.]