Image: Declic
For the longest time, we have been taught and indoctrinated to treat others how we want to be treated, this can also be found in some religious prescripts. But people's different real world experiences often prove otherwise; they prove that narrative to be not as true and effective as it is usually portrayed.
As human beings we experience the world in different ways sometimes in contrasting ways, and that influences how we perceive ourselves, others, and the world in general. We are influenced by our cultures, traditions, family dynamics, and the external environment at large. And therefore we can never perceive the world the same.
For example, in as much as you may be empathetic, value honesty, integrity, and respect etc, the next person might not value the same. In fact, they might actually be the complete opposite of your being, irrespective of whether you find yourselves in the same environment or not.
With our differences, it is shallow to expect others to treat you the same way you treat them. Our interactions guide us about the values and principles the next person holds and are exhibited and become apparent the more we interact with the same individuals. That is when one proves how they want to be treated. If someone speaks to you or others with disrespect, or does not value any of your principles; it is of no use to treat them with the principles you hold. Because they won't treat you that same way but the way they see fit - the way they perceive their own world. And that may be exact opposite of you.
Therefore, the wise thing to do is to treat others how they want to be treated, meaning treat them the way they treat others. Even when you do not believe in how they operate, your interaction with them ought to be on the same wavelength as theirs. Therefore, you won't have expectations of being treated how you want to be treated.
People generally expect others to reciprocate the good deeds or behaviours they exhibit, and when that does not happen, they feel angst and disappointment, and see the world as unfair. This is because of the unrealistic expectation that others will treat me as I treat them due to the unreasonable indoctrination we have been exposed to most of our lives.
To be more happy in our relationships and interactions with others, it is wise to treat the next person how he or she wants to be treated. If I want to be treated a certain way, I will act that way, and that is the principle. There is no need to treat bad people in a good way, and expect them to treat you in a good way, that is unrealistic. Those whom you share the same values and principles with, will treat you the way you want based on your interactions. Those who don't, shall be treated the way they treat others, and that is a fair interaction. Setting unrealistic expectations that bring about disappointments because people do not reciprocate to your deeds can never be good for anyone's well being.
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