Steem4nigeria Accelerator Contest Week 91: Not what you think.
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Greetings and welcome to my participation on this week's accelerator contest as we discuss those moments in time we got misunderstood and how it feels to be misunderstood. Without further ado, here is my experience and thoughts.
What do you understand by being "Misunderstood"? |
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Well, that feeling where you feel like nobody really gets you, just like being in a place like you're speaking a different language, even when you're using the same words. That, my friend, is what I'm calling being "misunderstood".
Just like me trying to explain why I love a certain song, so I'm here talking about the melody, the lyrics, how it makes me feel, but the other person just shrugs and says, "Meh, it's okay." then I am left there thinking, "But don't you get it?"
And sometimes, this happens even with my friends like I'm trying to explain why I did something and they'll just jump to conclusions, thinking I had a different motive. They might think I'm being selfish when I'm actually trying to help. It's frustrating because you feel like you have to constantly defend yourself or clarify your intentions.
Although some may see it as not a big deal, but then it can sting. Especially when it's someone you care about and you want them to understand where you're coming from, and it's like they're looking at a different picture where they see the colors and shapes, but they don't see the meaning you see.
Have you found yourself in such a situation, if yes, kindly share with us your experience |
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I guess numerous times and I now see being misunderstood as part of being human and everyone has their own experiences and perspectives. Sometimes, people just won't "get" you, and that's okay. Here is my most recent experience and it happened in my place of work between myself and a colleague.
On this very day, last Tuesday to be precise, I was at the office when my colleague texted me to buy her lunch that she was hungry, and the rest they say is history. Well, I was trying to be helpful, or maybe I was just being naive because I thought it was the right thing to do at the time, you know?.
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The problem is, my decision had some unintended consequences and things I didn't think about at the time started to happen and now there are a lot of different opinions and feelings floating around as things got out. I might not be wrong to think some of you reading this are already having opinions and thoughts as well.
So, I found myself in a situation where I feel like I was really stupid with moments of frustration, where I just wished I ignored her from the onset. Well, I did learn a lot though. I'm learning to think things through more carefully before I act.
How did you feel and how did you handle the misconception? |
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Well, I'm still dealing with the fallout from being misunderstood. Honestly, it's been a rollercoaster of emotions for me because at first, I was just confused. Like, "Wait, what? That's not what it is at all" Then came the frustration. It's infuriating when people twist actions or assume the worst. I felt like I was being judged unfairly, and it stung really bad.
Then, the sadness crept in because it hurts to think that people I care about might have a skewed view of me. I started to doubt myself, wondering if I had done something wrong, even if I didn't intend to. It was a real blow to my confidence.
I just took a calm breath because I knew getting angry or defensive wouldn't help so I just followed along without trying to explain myself as I listened to their perspectives. I focused on being honest and open, as I tried to understand where they were coming from. I also apologized if my actions had caused any hurt, even if it wasn't what I meant to do.
I just came to a conclusion that I can't control how others see my actions, but I can control how I respond so yes, I choose to learn from this experience.
Is there any advice you would love to give to your readers so they don't find themselves in your shoes |
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Here are some hard-earned wisdom with anyone who might be reading this. After the whole misunderstanding fiasco, I've been thinking a lot about how to avoid finding myself in the same boat and here's what I've come up with:
Think Before You Speak or Act:
This is a big one. Before you act, say or write anything, take a moment to consider your words. Like am I being clear? Could my message be interpreted in multiple ways? Trust me, it's always better to be thoughtful and precise.
Be Open and Honest:
Honesty is the best policy, they say. So, we should be genuine in our interactions. Let people know where we're coming from, that way it makes it harder for them to misinterpret our intentions.
Listen Actively:
Communication is only possible when one person is talking and another is listening, so it is a two-way street. So we should listen to what others are saying, try to understand their perspectives, even if you don't agree with them to help us avoid misunderstandings.
Ask for Clarification:
This is a very important one, as we should always ask questions if we're unsure about something. So don't be afraid to ask for clarification because it is better to clear things up right away than to let confusion fester.
Don't Assume:
There is a saying that reads;
"If you assume something about you and me, you make an ASS of U and ME".
Therefore, don't be quick to jump to conclusions and if we think someone has misunderstood us, we should give them the benefit of the doubt and try to explain themselves.
I want to take this opportunity to invite @josepha, @ikwal and @kidi40.
Thank You for your Time
NOTE: Always have a smile on your face, as you are never fully dressed without one.
