Are your Intentions Assumptions?
We often live under the false notion that stepping in to help makes us automatically kind. Imagine: You are stuck in a storm — cold, drenched, and shivering. A kind stranger helps you by letting you into their car. You are happy. Relieved. The problem is solved: finally, out of rain, no more drenching. Now, all you need is a towel to help you feel dry and warm. You spot one sitting in the front seat. They turn on the heater and offer you a cup of tea, but they do not furnish you with the towel. You shiver. You wait. You wonder: why not the towel? Their well-meaning help now feels frustrating. Instead of making you happy and comfortable, their help now frustrates and feels excruciatingly inadequate. Their reason could be anything. It’s possible they simply missed it, were oblivious to its significance, or didn’t realize it at all. But here is the point: They helped you in the way they thought was best for you, rather than asking, “What do you need right now?” Now, ask yourself: How man...