Have you ever been treated rudely by someone out of the blue? You did nothing to provoke them, yet they snap at you as if you've just shot their dog. Before you judge them or respond in anger, ask yourself if perhaps they are not actually speaking out of malice but out of pain.
I am the first person to take something personally. I feel responsible for the happiness and well being of the world, and feel upset when even a stranger seems to be in a terrible mood. Did I do or say something wrong?
As altruistic as this sounds, it's actually a sign that I am being too self involved. Other people have flaws behind their shiny exteriors. No one has a perfect life, and we are all just trying our best to put it all together. People aren't always responding to our actions, rather, they are acting out the hurt or struggle in their own life.
Before you tell off the rude receptionist or start to feel that everyone else is successful but you, remember that we are human. No one has all the answers, and most of us feel completely lost half the time. Listen and approach others with an empathic ear. And for heaven's sake, don't take it personally- it's not always about you.
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