Wow. That was amazing and so valid. I don’t know if this is the same thing but whenever I am in a situation where there is a disagreement over an event, I try to remember that no two people experience the same event in the same way. Therefore you are always going to end up with different versions of the same story that are told from each person’s perspective. With this also comes interpretation of the events, and since we all interpret things differently, such as tones or demeanor, the differences in perspective can be immense. For example, someone might say something to me that I found totally benign and took no offense to and the person with me may have interpreted a sarcastic or mocking tone and felt the interaction was rude or disrespectful. I try to get my kids to see this when they are having issues with each other or their friends. I want them to learn that there is no right and wrong when it comes to someone’s experience or feelings about something. I learned a long time ago in therapy that feelings are never wrong. It is only the thought that provokes the feeling that may be incorrect.

Although none of this takes into account when a person is intentionally lying, misrepresenting facts, or embellishing to try and show themselves in a false light.. Like the “I caught a fish THIS big” stories.

Anyway, I think this was a great post. If I could recommend it multiple times, I would.