That They Don’t (Myself Included)

What’s something most people don’t understand?

As humans, sometimes we say we can understand something, but there are times we truly don’t.

Why?

Because we see it from our perspective, our past living in our subconscious, the past experiences with that person, or their repeated challenges with the same thing. We can transfer all of that into one conversation.

And if we are told we don’t understand, we will try to justify that we do, yet we can’t fathom what’s gone on for the other person, having the truest of empathy for them in that moment.

I’m not saying this is the case for everyone, but I can say that I’m sure that’s been at least one instance where we thought we knew, but had no clue.

I saw we, because it has been me and has happened to me.

It’s not to shame anyone, or even myself. It’s just a fact-awareness can elude us. So doing our utmost to try to see the conversation in the most present way, free from preconceived notions is the best way to truly understand, be empathetic, and support in the way the person needs, not the way we think they need.