It is so true. I can say all I want to say but there is no assurance that the other person would understand my intent very well. Undoubtedly he may come from a different emotional environment or history as mine that his perceptions would certainly differ. We may be looking at the same things but we each would have a different view or interpretation of it. That's so much what transpires in a conversation normally.
I alone am responsible for what I say. My mom would tell me long ago.. 'be careful what you wish for..' -- in the same sense I would be careful what I speak. Besides the other person may be following his own journey to learning what's right or wrong.... something which God and Life are its best teachers .... not me. Be kind to his journey.
The only assurance I can give is that I would honestly try to understand what he would be saying to me. That I shall as best as I can refrain from trying to inject my own personal perceptions (no matter if I was right or tempted to) which could inconsiderately undermine his own beliefs. Mom once asked me this ----- 'wouldn't it be sufficient to yourself to know that you are right?' That made me really think and seriously. Hard as it may be, I believe it still is the best road to take in social interactions. Although it may seem being untrue to oneself, yet it is much better to be kind than correct at most times.There is more to gain with kindness.
But on the level of true friendships which could be said as above the cut, most certainly I would be free to be me in my truest self ... trusting that I would be understood as I intend to be understood. And I would do the same in return. A mutual give-and-take intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. That's why you're called 'friends'.
Yet on either levels as mentioned above, I believe kindness is and should still be the norm. Why aim to be always right when you know you can't be sure how the other would feel about that. Besides if you insist, there is a kinder and nicer way to do it. There always is. Be kind anyway.
If God is so kind and patient with me, I guess I can learn to be just as kind and patient with others too.
Wonderful blessings to you and yours. Have a great day.
Ellen,
ReplyDeleteRight you are. No two persons think absolutely alike. One should speak freely but with care so as not to hurt someone with own thoughts. Never impose own thoughts or beliefs on anyone. One must listen to others with full attention even if not agreeing to his or her thoughts or beliefs. One can always agree to disagree politely.
Take care
So nice to see you, Jack. These lines are good ... 'One should speak freely but with care so as not to hurt someone with own thoughts.' Thank you for sharing. Blessings to you and your loved ones.
DeleteSometimes no matter how hard you try, you cannot make someone else understand your point of view. That's the truth of things. I suppose we just have to learn to agree to disagree.
ReplyDeleteWhen you're done trying and nothing still is happening, that's when you simply let go. Let that person do his learning, make his own mistakes, or earn his spurs in the growth process. That's how it usually works.
DeleteThank you for dropping by. Wonderful to see you. Blessings!
There is a surprise for you at my blog :) :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with what you have written: I always believe that 'The Author Is Dead'. We are only responsible for what we speak or write. How the meaning is interpreted is not in our hands - it is the intent and the background of the reader or the listener that determines his/her meaning-making process :)
Exactly! thanks for coming by, Divya. It's also good to know that you are back blogging. Have left message on your page re: something odd in your message which I think got squeezed-in from somewhere. lols Blessings to you and your loved ones.
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