TREATING PEOPLE RIGHT

Earlier, we were speaking about New Year’s resolutions. If you choose not to make any resolutions this year, I implore you to at least adopt one crucial goal: commit to treating people right. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a foundational principle for building positive relationships and fostering a more compassionate world, starting with your own interactions.

I feel 2019 should be the year of better relationships. There are so many people whose aim is to use other people. What we generally call “chancing”. So many people with so many opportunistic tendencies, but that shouldn’t be the way out.

Then, there is the category of people whose one flaw is to abuse others. They just have a way of draining others’ confidence.

How Do We Practice Treating People Right?

How do we practise treating people right? It starts with a conscious decision to extend kindness in every interaction, no matter how small. It’s not about grand gestures, but consistent, everyday actions that reflect respect and genuine care.

Here’s how I strive to embody this:

• Active Listening: This is paramount. Instead of waiting for my turn to speak, I make an effort to truly hear what others are saying, both with their words and their body language. I try to understand their perspective, even if I don’t agree with it. It shows I value them enough to give them my full attention.
• Empathy and Understanding: I try to put myself in their shoes. When someone is struggling, or even acting in a way that might initially annoy me, I pause and consider what they might be going through. This doesn’t mean condoning negative behaviour, but it helps me respond with understanding rather than immediate judgement.
• Thoughtful Communication: This involves choosing my words carefully. I aim to speak with courtesy and politeness, using “please” and “thank you” generously. When offering feedback, I try to phrase it constructively, focusing on solutions rather than just criticism. And crucially, I share my opinions only when asked, respecting others’ autonomy.
• Small Acts of Kindness: These are the unsung heroes of treating people right. A genuine smile to a stranger, holding a door open, offering a sincere compliment, or even just asking “How are you doing?” and truly listening to the answer – these seemingly minor acts can have a profound impact on someone’s day. They are simple ripples of kindness that can create waves of positive change.
• Patience and Forgiveness: I remind myself that everyone makes mistakes, including myself. Practising patience when things don’t go as planned and offering forgiveness when I feel wronged are It means letting go of the need for immediate retribution and focusing on the long-term health of relationships.

Practising treating people right is a daily discipline, a conscious choice to lead with kindness. It’s about recognising the inherent worth in every individual and acting in ways that affirm their dignity. It benefits not only those around me but also brings a deeper sense of peace and purpose to my own life.

But like Denzel Washington says, karma has a way of visiting people’s children. The law of karma is cyclical. What goes around definitely comes around.

Yes, we shouldn’t tolerate being taken for granted, but it doesn’t mean we should also play the same game.

And where you feel you are not appreciated, please step back. Don’t force any relationship this year.

It is too early to begin the year on a rather tense note. Just let things flow. Grab good vibes. Give out good vibes.

With not many words to say… I’ll pen it down here.

READ ALSO: WHY DO WE KEEP SECRETS?

Honey…

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