Extending the benefit of a doubt is the most socially conscious act you can do. We don't know another person's story; we aren't entitled to it either. And most likely, we aren't deserving of it should it be offered up like a gift. • We see the world, naturally, from a personal viewpoint and for that reason, we can get caught in the trap of thinking it's about us. We see intended offence or slight against us where there is none. But really, people are living their lives the best way they know how. • So if you see a person wearing a mask / not wearing a mask; wearing a Trump shirt / not wearing a Trump shirt; leaving their cart in the parking lot, driving like a maniac ---> yes, perhaps they're an oblivious asshole (as we all are at times). But maybe, just maybe, they have lived through some experience that has created trauma, or knowing. Maybe they're in the midst of a crisis where we have the potential to offer assistance (rather than condemnation.) Maybe they're addressing a fear the best they can. Maybe (GASP) - maybe they have dug a little deeper, examined a little broader, or have a knowing or wisdom we just don't have (shocking, I know 🤣). • So if we cannot avoid making assumptions (and we really can't as humans), then make the assumptions compassionate. See the valiant effort it requires to exist on planet Earth. See their tiredness, their fear, their trauma. See their wisdom. See the human. • #humantohuman #seethehuman #benefitofadoubt #compassion #sociallyconscious #trauma #experience #wisdom https://www.instagram.com/p/CDohuz5pbqL/?igshid=1idawxpjlqf3a