Are you aware that 1 and 1 often makes 3?

We have each had this experience. We thought “x” about someone or a situation and learned later that our impression of them or the situation was inaccurate. It is human nature to be “meaning making machines”. We interpret someone else’s behavior or statements through our own “lens” of experience. With that “lens”, we project feelings and thoughts onto others. Oftentimes the interpretation and projections are inaccurate assessments of behavior or situations.

Why is this such a significant issue? Our lens and communications create and reinforce our realities aka our life, and also reinforce relationship harmony or disharmony. Our misperceptions and misinterpretations create our expectations. Those affect our interactions and personal and professional relationships with others.

For example, are you familiar with the phrase “I know you believe you understand what you think I said, but I’m not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant?”

We believe we understand communications. We interpret behavior through our “lens” and reinforce our image of who someone is, through that lens. How can someone’s authentic nature and intentions
be experienced if the “lens” is discolored by inaccurate interpretation? The mold needs to be broken. Authentic relationships occur because people can BE authentic, and not stereotyped nor categorized.

Put another way, how often have you felt misunderstood? This is a two-way street. The article below is interesting and addresses aspects along the lines of my comments here.