Why You Shouldn’t Jump to Conclusions About People

Posted byVanya Wryter ConsultingPosted inLifestyleTags:, , ,

We’ve all been there—someone snaps at us, ignores us, or seems distant, and our first instinct is to assume the worst. Maybe we think they’re rude, unfriendly, or even mean. But what if there’s more to the story?

People carry invisible burdens. The coworker who seemed short-tempered might have just received bad news. The barista who got your order wrong might not be careless, but exhausted from working two jobs. The student sitting alone at lunch isn’t necessarily unpopular—they might be grieving a lost friend and need space.

It’s easy to make snap judgments, but those judgments are often wrong. Imagine how many times someone might have misjudged you when you were having a tough day. Wouldn’t you want them to be patient and understanding rather than assuming the worst?

Kindness goes a long way. A smile, a gentle word, or even just withholding judgment can make a difference in someone’s day. Instead of assuming someone is naturally unkind or incompetent, consider the possibility that they’re struggling with something you don’t see.

The world would be a much better place if we all practiced more patience and compassion. So next time you find yourself forming a negative opinion too quickly, pause. Ask yourself, Could there be another explanation? Approach others with grace, and you might be surprised at the kindness that comes back to you.

Thanks for reading this post!

21 thoughts on “Why You Shouldn’t Jump to Conclusions About People”

  1. So many points I agree with in this post. We usually do not know what people that we interact with are really going through (unless they tell us). Practicing more patience and compassion (without judgment) can help to make our communications with others flow smoothly.

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  3. I remember all the times I was moved under a new ‘boss’ and heard all the dire warnings of doom. My philosophy was to always reserve time for me to make my own opinions. I find myself usually more discerning than all the naysayers when it comes to judging my employer. And there is alway more to a person than their leadership role.

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  4. I so agree with what you said on this post. We never know what someone is going through or what they’re thinking and we shouldn’t make assumptions as though we do. No matter what, being kind to one another is absolutely vital.

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  6. I work in the service industry, so often I’m the one who gets treated like I don’t know what I’m doing, even before any transaction has taken place. After enough of that, it’s easy to start making assumptions about others, but the best way to proceed is try to be extra kind to people. Most people. Some truly don’t deserve it, but we always say we only see them for a brief time; they have to go home and live with themselves.

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