Hey friend,
I recently sat with someone dear to me over lunch and listened as they shared their thoughts about something I am currently doing. Their perspective was different from mine, and to be honest, I started to doubt myself.
But later, as I thought about it some more, something became clear.
What they expressed was not intended as harm. It was simply how they place value. Their lens. Their priorities. Their understanding of success and meaning.
And I realised how important it is to listen without becoming entangled.
Part of friendship and maturity is being able to hear people fully, with respect and openness, while still remaining tethered to your own clarity and conviction. Not every opinion is instruction. Not every doubt belongs to you.
People often speak from what they know, not from who you are. They do not necessarily mean harm. They just do not know your inner world the way you do.
This experience is teaching me the difference between listening and absorbing. One brings understanding. The other, if not careful, can affect you negatively.
Learning to separate the two is part of emotional wisdom.
Question:
Whose perspective do you value, and why?