Understanding others can be hard. We all have unique behaviors, and we all react to situations differently. Therefore, it can be frustrating when someone behaves differently from the way we do. Some people prefer lots of time to themselves while others always want to be socializing. Some people might enjoy a quiet night to themselves while others prefer to go out and do things. There is no right or wrong to any of these situations. People just act differently, which is okay. Just because someone’s personality differs from yours doesn’t mean that you can’t get along with them. Sometimes, you just need to be patient and kind to others in order to take the time to truly understand them.
Take Time to Get to Know Them
When you first meet someone, it is typically very different from when you’ve known someone for years or even months. It can take time to get to know someone’s quirks and unique personality traits. Sometimes, people tend to grow distant when a friend starts to show these unfamiliar personalities, but it is a natural thing. We all behave differently, and the more time we take to get to know each other, the stronger our bonds with others will be.
Therefore, when you first meet someone, try to be patient with them. If they act in a strange manner, take time to get to know them better instead of judging them for acting in a way that is unfamiliar to you. If they need time to get used to you, that’s okay. If they need extra time to themselves, be respectful of that. Be patient when getting to know someone so that you can better understand how they act and what they need. It will make them more appreciative overall.
Don’t Assume the Worst
If you meet someone that prefers a lot of time to themselves, this doesn’t mean that they don’t enjoy hanging out with you. If someone cancels plans often, it’s probably not to be rude; they might just have a very busy schedule. Therefore, it is important not to assume that someone’s behaviors are simply because they dislike you. Never just assume the worst. Life can become busy, so sometimes even if someone really wants to see you, they may not be able to all the time. Consider this before getting upset at others or taking their actions too personally.
Try to See the World Through Their Eyes
This can be a difficult task to achieve, but if you notice your friend acting in an unusual manner, try to take some time to consider what could be going on in their head. Think about how they might perceive the situation. This can help you to better understand their side of things, which can help to make you closer to them. Taking the time to see how others view the world can help us be kinder to those around us. It is important to understand that there is always more than one way of doing things, so it is okay if someone acts differently than us.
Stay Positive with Them
Even if someone gets on your nerves or behaves in a way you don’t appreciate, you should still try to stay positive with them. Talk it out and try to find out what’s really going on. Disagreements will happen, but it doesn’t mean that you need to fight or behave rudely to one another. Whenever you feel the urge to get frustrated toward someone else, try your best to think positively. Encourage others to talk about how they feel instead of getting angry at them for their behaviors. It can be much easier to understand others if you are polite and positive toward them.
Be Kind to Everyone
This should go without saying, but overall, being kind to others is the easiest way to understand them. People are generally more likely to open up to people who are nice to them instead of those who aren’t patient and respectful. Regardless of how someone acts and behaves, put a smile on your face and let them know that you are there to help them.
While all the factors mentioned are important parts of learning to understand those around you, nothing works better than kindness. How you treat people is a significant part of how close you are to them. Therefore, take some extra time to get to know others better and make sure to always be kind.