Shaun Groves
I’ve been waiting “forever” for my meal. “This waiter is terrible.”
She cuts in from of me in traffic. “Idiot!”
I’m trying to be friendly but he’s giving me nothing but nods and the shortest answers. “Stuck up.”
Fundamental attribution error: the tendency in Western cultures to blame other people’s bad behavior on their horrible character and our own bad actions on circumstances beyond our control.
Terrible? Maybe the kitchen is backed up and shorthanded and the waiter isn’t to blame at all.
Idiotic? Maybe she’s late to the airport or she just didn’t see you.
Snobby? Maybe he’s distracted by worry or a monster to-do list.
I know what a bad day at work is like, what running late is like, what it’s like to be preoccupied with all that has to be done.
I’m learning to choose empathy instead of anger by considering your circumstances before blaming your character…you know, the way I’d want you to treat me.
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31
Live generously.
Alice says:
Love this! What a world this could be if it was our goal every morning to extend grace, and kindness to EVERYONE. Thank you for the reminder!
Ro Elliott says:
Oh yes… Me too… One person at a time bring the beauty of Love into each space instead of marring with the ugly… Freely we receive…may we giving freely from that gift!!!
Amy says:
Yes! Giving empathy instead of anger helps me in my job and my life!