Please Don’t Ask of Others What You Are Not Willing to Do Yourself

By Nadine Briggs and Donna Shea

Most people who experience difficulty creating lasting friendships with others struggle with being able to see or a different point of view. Understanding another person’s perspective is critical to maintaining a close connection. Friends genuinely understand each other’s lives.

When we talk to people about working with others, whether it be children, teens, or adults, we frequently ask them to take another’s perspective. We want others to at least attempt to understand what it is like to “walk in another’s shoes.” If adults are going to interject advice or feedback into the lives of other individuals, they should stop and check their understanding of another’s point of view. At this point in our world, with the upset and challenges we are globally facing, it is critical and non-negotiable that we are all willing and capable of doing what we ask of others. It is not fair or reasonable to do anything else. If an adult does not understand the perspective of a child or teen, I implore you to ask them. Have a respectful and nonjudgmental conversation with them. Forgot what you read about in the news, or what research article you might be able to cite but toss your knowledge of the topic aside and listen with an open mind and open heart.

We live in a world of constant, global challenging trials. Open your mind and let in the opinions and thoughts and perspectives of others that may be different from your own.