Sometimes our interpretations of situations are skewed because we don’t have the whole story. We may hear one side of things, or we may be basing ideas on what we think we’ve seen. There is an old saying, “Believe half of what you see, and none of what you hear.” It’s wise advice, but sometimes because the source telling us a story is someone we trust, we may believe them. And if they have only half the information, we may be way off the mark. And seeing isn’t always believing. What we see may be a small part of a bigger picture.
People are complicated, and sometimes situations are complicated too. What at first may seem to be obvious can turn out to be something completely different. If we make decisions based on what we think is happening, without first getting all the facts, we may make mistakes that hurt us, or others. Everyone knows the rumor mill cannot be trusted. Some of us love intrigue and suspense, and sometimes when people repeat a story, they embellish it. Before we know it, the entire scenario barely resembles the truth. It’s like the telephone game we played as children. Nothing is ever the same after it’s been filtered through several people.
It’s best then to try to get the facts from the real source instead of those reporting on it. That’s not always possible, and if it isn’t, we should let it go. Many people have been hurt by rumors that started out with a segment of truth, only to be blown way out of proportion to the point that they no longer resemble what happened at all. Getting the rest of the story before we believe or repeat anything is imperative. This is true in our interpersonal relationships, and in every other facet of our lives. We need to get the truth before we go forward. If that isn’t possible, we need to let the story go.
Today if you’ve gotten involved in a rumor or story that’s floating around, stop until you can verify all the facts. Don’t take a chance on hurting someone by repeating something you’ve heard, or interpreting something you think you’ve seen. We are all connected to one another, and we have a responsibility to ensure we don’t injure each other needlessly. Be wise, and be careful with what you repeat, and what you interpret. Those around you are important and they will value you, and trust you when you care for them. Caring isn’t always sharing. Sometimes caring is keeping it to yourself.
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