There’s a reason for every individual behaviour. You may say to yourself, he’s just arrogant and obnoxious. He’s just a mean old man with no manners. He has no social skills whatsoever. Many of these individuals whom you call mean or rude, grew up with judgemental parents or siblings, or perhaps they were extremely belittled as a child. Maybe they were never taught otherwise, so their inappropriateness seems appropriate to them.
Their behaviour shouldn’t be condoned, and we have the right to speak up for ourselves since everyone deserves respect. But what if you didn’t have the caring parents, or mentors, or the friends you have? How would you be?
The environment we have as children and teenagers has an impact on who we become as a person. Parents, siblings, friends, neighbourhoods, and teachers, all have an impact on our upbringing and growth as a person. To deny that our environment has an impact on who we become, would be saying relationships have no power in the unfolding of our life.
Almost everywhere you go and everyone you meet has different standards of what is acceptable or not. We’re just people, and everyone is struggling with something, so why put each other on a pedestal of better or worse? Everyone’s journey starts differently and is unique in one way or another, so why do we give each other labels?
Actions have consequences and we should be cautious not to hurt others, however, some people struggle with arrogance and others struggle with gossip. Is one better than the other?
If you didn’t have the caring people in your life who supported you and who were loyal to you, would you have turned out the same? People don’t understand as long as we categorize everyone, there’s always going to be someone left out. How do you truly understand someone if you haven’t walked his path?
There’s a reason for everybody’s behaviour. However, using our past history or our challenges today as a crutch to not be sympathetic or compassionate, shouldn’t be an excuse. Although we have control over the unfolding of our life, we must consider, our past is responsible for who we are today. Furthermore, our response to adversities ultimately defines who we are, and some people simply don’t know how to respond to the trials of life.
We should be more understanding that we’re not all at the same place in our lives, and we didn’t start at the same place either. We should respect everyone’s journey, and know everyone is unique in one way or another.
Simply saying I understand and I respect you is enough to show compassion, and acceptance. This approach will be much more effective at creating a peaceful world and environment for everyone involved.
Condoning the behaviour isn’t the answer, however, we should be more understanding that not everyone is as fortunate as us, and everyone reacts differently to the challenges of life. The contrast allows us to evolve as people ultimately for the expansion of humanity and the universe.
Acceptance, sympathy and compassion is much more effective at creating a peaceful world than judgment or blame.