A similar situation is when you make a seemingly innocent comment that offends someone and, although you hadn’t expected to, can’t understand why. Maybe it’s because we assume other people will be on the same wavelength and sympathetic. How naïve. In truth, we haven’t thought about the feelings of the other person and may not know their personal circumstances. We all have bad days - perhaps after a row with our partner or boss, or a personal tragedy, or even just getting up late, and the last thing we want to hear is an insensitive comment. The response, therefore, may be unexpected. Unless a friend or acquaintance confides in us, we won’t know their position and whether it’s a good or bad time in their life. And, if it’s someone we’ve just met, that’s even more likely to happen. It means that we can upset or offend without intending to. That doesn’t mean walking on eggshells and never saying anything of consequence, but it does mean being sensitive to other people’s feelings.
I’m now trying to be more considerate and change my approach when I meet someone. I know that I appreciate it when people speak to me considerately, so I hope to extend that feeling to others. It’s not always easy. There are people whom we come into contact with, but are not drawn to. That doesn’t mean we should be rude, and even they will probably respond better if spoken to in a civil way. Making enemies in this small world can be counterproductive. Whether it’s social or business, we react favourably to a positive attitude, a smile, or a compliment. How wonderful if we can spread a little happiness to others at the same time. After all, we have to live together and it’s so much better when we can get on as well. Sometimes it will just take a bit of effort, but it’s worth it.