Hey friend,
Another question came up from last week’s reflection:
How do we know when it is us vs when it is actually the other person?
Because the truth is, both can exist.
Sometimes, we are reacting from our own filters, past experiences, or sensitivities.
And other times, the other person is genuinely being rude, dismissive, or inconsiderate.
Sometimes, it may even be both.
The work is learning to tell the difference.
But what I am also learning is that, regardless of which one it is, we are still responsible for our own response.
It is easy to subtly justify our reactions when we believe the other person is at fault. But friendship requires a different kind of maturity, one that causes us to pause and ask, what part of this is mine?
Because while we may not control how people speak or act, we do have control over how we respond. And in friendships, that responsibility matters.
Friendship requires both honesty and wisdom. And the balance of both is what helps us respond well.
Question:
Did your response reflect who you want to be?