There are two sides to every story, so why do so many people forget that?
Whether it is my version vs your version, or he said/she said, there is always more than one side to every story. Too often, we don’t take the other person’s view or perspective into account.
Listening to both sides of the story is much easier when we are not directly involved, and not in the middle of the conflict/argument. We can sit back and listen to each person and then determine what to do next.
When the conflict or disagreement involves us, it becomes much harder. We are often trying so hard to get our point across that we don’t hear the other side or viewpoint. We end up talking and not listening.
Recognizing that we do this is the first thing towards resolving the issue. If we know that we do it, we can stop talking, take a minute and truly listen to the other person. We might be surprised to find we are not always right (I know, hard to believe right?).
First, we have to be open to listening to the other person. If we are not, then the conversion will usually run in a loop until someone gives up, gets mad, or both.
Secondly, we have to truly listen to what is being said and ask ourselves how it bumps up against what we were saying. Perhaps the two are more closely aligned than we first believed. Possibly, our two ideas can coexist together.
We must listen to both sides of the story before making any decisions. This way, we can be confident in our choices and/or decisions.
Sometimes, when the conflict involves one we love, our first instinct is to stand by that person. We forget that standing behind the other person is also someone who loves them. We are more protective of our children and our family, sometimes so much so, that we put blinders on.
Never forget, that just like there are two sides to every coin, there is always two sides to every story.
Free inspirational or motivational posts can be found on the inspirational page of my website.