Judged by Intentions, Not Actions
Like most people, I want to be judged on my intentions, not my actions, which may be misinterpreted for any number of reasons. So how can I deny this right to others? We must seek their intentions, not judge their actions.
If someone is brandishing a knife or gun in front of us it may be right to assume their intentions are aggressive. But there are thankfully few situations where this happens. And unlike guns or knives, words and body-language are open to wild misinterpretation. By assuming a better, kinder, interpretation – however hard this is to achieve – we are making it easier to respond appropriately.
In fact, the harder it is to perceive a kinder interpretation the more it is in your advantage to seek ...
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