I have had an experience with A person, B event, or C place that is not the same as yours.
That does not automatically translate to “I think you’re lying”
I have an opinion that differs from yours.
That does not automatically translate to “I am attacking you.”
A bad thing happened to you.
That does not automatically mean that you get to go around saying “I am a good person, and other people are bad people.”
Bad things happen to good people. Bad things happen to bad people. Bad things happen to everyone, all the time. Sometimes as a result of bad decision. Sometimes you're doing something stupid. Sometimes because you’re just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sometimes you’re trying to do something good and it blows up in your face. Sometimes the bad thing that happens is something that the other person isn't even aware of at the time, and it's in no way aimed at you, personally (standing at the bus stop on a rainy day, someone drives by in a hurry and splashes water on you...) Shit happens. All the time. To everyone.
Demonizing others does not help your cause. Attacking others does not help your credibility. Deciding you’ve been attacked and demonized and running around screaming “I’m a victim!” does not invite people to admire you.
You have the right to your thoughts and feelings. But please realize that putting aside your feelings, organizing your thoughts and presenting events as objectively as possible is the best possible way to win friends and influence people.
Unless you just want headshaking and pity. In which case, just keep on doin' what you're doin'.
That does not automatically translate to “I think you’re lying”
I have an opinion that differs from yours.
That does not automatically translate to “I am attacking you.”
A bad thing happened to you.
That does not automatically mean that you get to go around saying “I am a good person, and other people are bad people.”
Bad things happen to good people. Bad things happen to bad people. Bad things happen to everyone, all the time. Sometimes as a result of bad decision. Sometimes you're doing something stupid. Sometimes because you’re just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sometimes you’re trying to do something good and it blows up in your face. Sometimes the bad thing that happens is something that the other person isn't even aware of at the time, and it's in no way aimed at you, personally (standing at the bus stop on a rainy day, someone drives by in a hurry and splashes water on you...) Shit happens. All the time. To everyone.
Demonizing others does not help your cause. Attacking others does not help your credibility. Deciding you’ve been attacked and demonized and running around screaming “I’m a victim!” does not invite people to admire you.
You have the right to your thoughts and feelings. But please realize that putting aside your feelings, organizing your thoughts and presenting events as objectively as possible is the best possible way to win friends and influence people.
Unless you just want headshaking and pity. In which case, just keep on doin' what you're doin'.