Do You Have 20/20 Vision?

Have you ever found yourself intimidated by another individual?  Perhaps it is their extensive education, the confidence they exude when they enter a room, their resume of personal accomplishments or maybe it is as simple as their lifestyle.  Sometimes “these people” not only intimidate us but can also make us feel uncomfortable, incompetent or out of our comfort zone.  When faced with people who are different from us, our misperceptions of them become our actual perceptions. This in turn can impact our behavior or feelings toward them. It is in these moments where our 20/20 vision becomes blurred.

I am sure that you, like me, would like to believe that you never feel this way around others.  It is a little unnerving to admit that we may be judgmental and in some ways, it goes against how we really want to be.  For the sake of making you more comfortable, I will give an example that taught me a good life lesson.  Over the years, I ran into someone who was quite intimidating to me; very intellectual, successful and charismatic. My misperceptions of this person took those attributes and turned them into something more like arrogant, disinterested and vocal - pretty harsh descriptions, I know.  Rather than taking the time to change my perceptions, I avoided this person and assumed they would not be interested in meeting me. I figured I had nothing of value to add to this person’s life.  I could not have been more wrong.

Through a series of events and chance meetings, I soon realized that this person had none of the attributes that I had assumed. In fact they were just the opposite, and I am grateful that I opened up my eyes. This person is now someone I consider a good friend.

I always thought the saying “everyone puts their pants on one leg at a time” was a bit simplistic, but I have learned that for the most part, it is entirely true.  I wish it was as simple as eating some carrots to make us have 20/20 vision with others. What it really takes is an open mind.

Comments

[Susan Schneider]

Tom and Connie – you are too kind. Thank you for this feedback and I am glad you are enjoying the blog! It helps me stay motivated to keep on writing!

[Tom & Connie]

Yuor like a great wine Suez!! Better and better with age, God Bless you,and thanks for sharing. T&C