How often do you extend the benefit of the doubt?
If you’re not quite sure what the benefit of the doubt is, here’s the definition to help you along. When giving someone the benefit of the doubt, you are believing what they say and taking their word because you, yourself, have some doubt about what happened.
The last part of the definition is the most crucial point. You take their word because you have some doubt as to what happened.
How often do you feel you have all the facts about a particular event or situation?
Now, let’s be honest, just between you and me. How often is it even possible to have all the facts?
Hopefully, we can both agree that having all the facts is rarely possible.
So, what happens when you have partial information or think you know what might have occurred?
Do you dig your heels in and maintain your position as holder of the truth, or do you extend the benefit of the doubt?
Giving a person the benefit of the doubt doesn’t mean you take the position of a pushover and let people take advantage of you. It means extending grace, patience, and taking the position that the person you’re dealing with doesn’t harbor harmful intentions towards you.
Obviously, extending the benefit of the doubt works better with people you’ve known for a while, but it can also work well with strangers if you believe you live in a friendly and not hostile world. By the way, research shows that while there is the occasional bad actor, most people are not only friendly but, in certain circumstances, willing to help others.
So, the next time you find yourself questioning a person’s actions towards you, if you don’t have all the facts, try giving them the benefit of the doubt. You may find that when you do, they may do the same for you too.
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