A Kiss from Rose | The Dangers of Taking Things Personal
- alstonshropshire3
- Aug 14, 2024
- 2 min read
The Danger of Taking Things Personally: A Lesson in Overthinking
It’s easy to fall into the trap of taking things personally. A comment left unanswered, a message ignored, or a sudden shift in someone’s behavior can lead us down a spiral of overthinking. We start to create scenarios in our minds, believing that we’ve done something wrong or that we’re being intentionally slighted. But what if, in reality, it’s not about us at all?
Often, we fail to realize that the people around us might be in the middle of their own storms. They might be dealing with challenges, stress, or personal struggles that have nothing to do with us. When we take things personally, we overlook the possibility that their silence, distance, or moodiness is a reflection of their internal battle, not our actions.
Overthinking can lead us to make assumptions that only exacerbate our feelings of hurt or rejection. We start to internalize the situation, believing that we are the cause of the problem, when in truth, the other person might be fighting a battle we know nothing about. This habit of overthinking can strain relationships and add unnecessary stress to our lives.
It’s important to remind ourselves that not everything is about us. People go through difficult times, and sometimes, they need space or might not have the energy to communicate as they normally would. By recognizing this, we can approach situations with more empathy and understanding, rather than letting our minds create false narratives.
Instead of overthinking, try reaching out with compassion. A simple message of support can go a long way. “I noticed you’ve been a bit quiet lately. I hope everything’s okay. If you need anything, I’m here for you.” This not only shows that you care but also opens the door for honest communication.
The next time you catch yourself taking something personally, pause and consider the possibility that it might not be about you at all. People are often dealing with much more than they reveal, and by giving them grace and understanding, we can strengthen our relationships and bring more peace into our own lives.
How many times have you held back an apology or refused to forgive someone all because you took something personally?
“Real Talk” - Alston Shropshire
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