Taking Time To Better Understand Others Is Imperative
Start writing a post
Student Life

Taking Time To Better Understand Others Is Imperative

As you are cautious of your own personal feelings, remember that it is ever so important to take care of those around you.

288
Taking Time To Better Understand Others Is Imperative

There is a difference between self-love and self-loathing. There is a difference between self-care and neglect. There is a difference between knowing your potential and disregarding your self-worth. We as people understand when it is time to step back from the harsh realities of the world that often weigh us down, whether they initiate in the workplace, at home, or are projected upon us from the people we care most for. Yet, in actuality, do we as people fully comprehend when it is time to remove the focus from ourselves and take a deeper look into the lives of those around us?

One year ago today, I took the time to write a piece about the importance of taking the time to better understand one's self. It was at that time that I was questioning the decisions I had made in regards to my future and longed for a sense of self-realization with the hopes that I would feel a sense of security in the choices I had made.

I spoke of analyzing the intentions of the journey I planned to embark on, as well as the significance of better taking care of myself along the way. After looking back on the words I had written one year later, I hold each and every one of them to be true. They are values that I live by, and I continue to believe that, if you do not strive to be the best person you can be, you will be unable to be the best you can be for those around you. It was at that moment that a different sense of self-realization struck me. Now that I have come to better understand myself, have I done enough to better understand others?

I feel as though there is a certain sense of judgment we are inclined to pass on others. We receive opportunities for first impressions and often gather our opinions from there. We hold our guards to the highest of extents before we allow ourselves to let people in - before we allow ourselves to gain an understanding of them.

Throughout my life I have found that it often takes months, even years, to comprehend the true notion of how a person operates. We often do not know what struggles the people we surround ourselves may be facing. Frankly, in today's society, people choose to internalize their problems rather than externalize them. I strongly believe that, in order to better understand a person, it is imperative to be open with them. You can only hope that you will receive the same sense of openness in return, though unfortunately, we are not always that fortunate.

One of the greatest abilities to possess is the willingness to communicate. For without it, things often get destroyed. It is crucial to let others know that you will be there to take care of them if they are in need - to provide them with a bond that can remain unbroken within the most treacherous of times. In order to better understand others, you must be ready to give of yourself. Give of your time, give of your patience, give all that you have. It will never go unnoticed.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57866
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37281
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958971
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

192139
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments