“Why do you choose to correct others?”
The other day, as I was walking outside, I couldn’t help, but think of this question and my own personal experience with it.
I immediately thought of the times when I would try to correct one of my closest friends often, when she swore or expressed frustration while driving.
“You’re a mother _______ ... Move over a 🕳...”
Only if there was a show for, “How many swear words one says in a minute?” I would know exactly who to nominate 😂
In an attempt to help her become aware of what she was saying and how it was impacting me, I’d say, “language.”
She’d respond with, “I’m sorry.”
The word “language” was an anchor for the need to reflect/change during our conversations.
This was an instance when I was trying to correct her because it was impacting my own language.
It also reminded me of how I used to be on the roads.
I used to use similar words and/or expressions to communicate with other drivers.
After a while, I didn’t want to be that person anymore.
I developed greater compassion for fellow drivers.
I realized that the “slow” driver may not be in a rush to go anywhere and is simply enjoying the drive time in the car.
I realized that those zooming by me in the fast lane may be experiencing an emergency situation such as the birth of a child.
The more I reflect upon every situation, the more I begin to realize that I am one of those drivers on any given day.
Now, there are also times when I don’t choose to correct others.
The other day, I was having a conversation with a friend of mine during which she said, “vent” instead of “flue” as we were talking about a fireplace.
I chose not to correct her because I understood what she was saying.
At what point do you choose to correct others? Why?
Are there times when you choose NOT to correct others? Why?
