be one of those people
Today I spent a little time tutoring high school students in the neighborhood of my former school (where I was a principal for fourteen years).
I can’t get over how sensitive and impressionable kids this age can be. The young man I was working with was convinced that one of his teachers hates him. I asked what made him think this. He was unable to give concrete evidence, but he pointed out the teacher’s tone of voice, a “look,” and unwillingness to accept a late assignment (my words, not his). Maybe the teacher doesn’t like him. Maybe they do. Maybe they are indifferent. Or…perhaps, there is not enough information to make a determination.
Our conversation did make me think about how often I make a judgements about people based on limited interactions.
Rude. Apathetic. Mean. Angry. 🤬
Truth be told, it’s doubtful I have enough information to make that judgment. I don’t know the back story.
But…it also highlights the importance of our words and actions. Not that we have to care about what everyone thinks, but our tone, demeanor, and words matter.
We are living in a world that needs all the encouragement and positivity it can get. Choose to be one of THOSE people. Give the benefit of the doubt. Be slow to judge. Assume the best.
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