We are in a world where it is easier to see others’ failures more than the reasons why they fail. It is easier to put our own rights before others and our own comfort before theirs. Most people have become so self-centered that they have turned so indifferent towards others. To be a more understanding person, you can practice these heartfelt ways when treating others, especially when they seem a little bit hard to understand:
Put Yourself In Others’ Shoes – Before you yell at someone or do anything rude because of impatience, think first about how your action or words would affect you if you would be the receiver of those. If you want others to be understanding and gentle towards you during your frustrating moments, then please treat others the same way. Be careful not to say or do anything that could completely discourage them.
Understand That Others May Have A More Limited Understanding Than You – If you think you are an open-minded individual, then be open to the fact that there are some who are not. Debating with them or telling them they are stupid would be stooping to their level. Therefore, just be patient with these people and understand that they are not capable of understanding.
Practice Being A Good Listener – Sometimes, we easily judge others’ characters based on their actions or failures. However, we neglect the fact that something could have happened that pushed them to do what they did—and they probably did not really want to do it. Before concluding that these people are hopelessly messed up, why not give time to listen to their story first? Hearing their side and knowing what they are really going through could help you become more understanding of them.
Take Time To Sincerely Ask Others How They Are Doing – Another way to develop your understanding of people is by taking the time to know how they are actually doing. Instead of blurting out the automatic yet non-genuine “Hi! How are you?” greeting whenever you accidentally meet someone, why not be more intentional in catching up with them? If you really want to ask someone how they are, then it is best if you could invite them to sit down over a meal or a cup of coffee. Show them that you are really interested in knowing their story by asking questions and not shifting the topic to your life story (it is their time to shine).
Find A Way To Relate With A Person – One of the reasons why it is hard to understand other people is because we cannot relate to them. For instance, if you have never experienced depression, then you might think of depressed people to be just being overly dramatic or ‘emo’. You would be easily annoyed with them because you might think their pain is not real. If you are having a hard time understanding other people, then why not find a way to understand their situation? In relation to the example above, you can research depression to understand those struggling with this condition. Look for ways to see through them.
The Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you wish others to do unto you.” can be applied here. The best way to learn how to understand people is by putting yourself in their place. If you want others to be nice and patient to you, then treat them the same way.
Peace and Love, Jim
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