“Humans are here for the sake of each other. So either teach them, or learn to bear them.” — Marcus Aurelius
We don’t like to admit it, but there’s a small part inside all of us that still feels like a child, confused by the world and unsure how to act. That part of us wants to do the right thing, but hasn’t yet learned what the right thing is.
Some of the people who you dislike probably act the way they do just to cope with hidden fears and insecurities, or because they don’t know how they should act.
When children make mistakes or imitate something they don’t know is wrong, should we yell at them? Or should we show patience and teach them how to do it correctly?
Next time you start getting frustrated with someone, pause and imagine how they were as a child, lost and seeking direction. Remind yourself that they might still feel that way, on the inside.
If showing them the right path feels beyond your reach, then at least try to be patient with them as they discover the answers on their own.