Steem4nigeria Accelerator Contest Week 91: Not what you think.

The golden rule of being a good judge is by listening to both sides of every story and the ability to see things from different point of views. Sometimes good intentions may end up in a bad misconception, sometimes people get queried and blamed by misunderstanding their actions or words . I really love this contest topic " not what you think" because it is a daily happening.

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Being misunderstood means people seeing things differently from you our own view, having a misconception on your ideas and taking your actions, words or intentions in a completely different way than the way you intended. It’s a different interpret from your interest or intention or your intended desires or aims. When people took what you said or did through their own view , assumptions and conclusions different from you own, that is when you are being misunderstood. Most of the time it is always on the negative view to your good intentions, and having a wrong or even unfair view of your intended good intentions.
It is usually very frustrating and hurtful because the real aim of your actions remains unaccomplished, your story remains hidden while people cling to a false impression and attributing bad claim to you

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Yes, I have. There was a little girl that was living their her parents close to my house, the girl was around that 10-11 years old, but due to her body size she was looking like someone of around 15years, one day when I returned from work, I saw her shivering out their house. I approached her asked what was wrong and discovered that she was having high fever with cold and the parent were not at home because the girl returned back home earlier than her usual returning time. So I took her into my house, bought some medicine for her and gave her a blanket to cover, before the parents got back home the fever had reduced.

But to my greatest surprise, not knowing that one of our neighbor who saw the time I took her in conclusion that I wanted having a affair with her, went straight to the parents and reported same. Immediately the parents return home, they came straight to my house, start shouting, ranting, accusing me without giving me a room to speak nor explained what happened but she end up causing a scene and embarrassment to me, took her daughter and left.

I was very shocked on how my kindness and care for the girl was misunderstood and end up bringing an embarrassment to me. I was angry and hurt. Untill when the whole truth was revealed from the child and her school teacher who came to check up on her health conditions, that was when my actions was known but the wrong deeds had been done already. It was embarrassing and hurtful.

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Honestly, it hurt. I felt embarrassed ,insulted and my image painted black, like my good and kind intentions was turned against me. I started to question whether it was even worth being helpful if people would just assume the worst without listening from both sides of the story, I saw life to be very funny, that if we want to follow how people hand things and judging other people actions, no one will like to help again. I didn't allow that to weigh me down, or intercept with been kind, because I knew why she was shouting but I only blame her for not listening to both sides before concluding from what she heard. I forgave them and moved on with life.

My little advice to all the readers that have been in my shoes will be, learn to let go, don't allow it to weigh you down or intercept with your goodness and kindness , remember that being misunderstood doesn’t make your truth any less valid. Also know that Not everyone will "get" you. The best way is always to stay true to yourself and let your consistent actions speak louder than words.

Avoid reacting out of anger and exchanging of words as that will end up causing more scene. clarify your actions, people who listen will listen and people who don't will one day live to testify that they heard you saying something of that kind. They will turn out to be the ones that will defend you. Protect your integrity at all cost but not with fight but by your ability in walking away.

And to other who love judging before listening to both sides, remember that you can a "6" while another person is seeing "9" depending on the side you are viewing from. Learn to view from both sides before jumping to conclusions about others.
Always ask before assuming, and give people the benefit of the doubt and a listening ear to explain. Don't conceived a conclusion before listening as that will never allow you to listen with understanding but will give room to "Misunderstandings"

Being misunderstood is part of life and it happens everyday. But what truly matters is how you handle it, and that’s what truly defines you.

Thank you for reading, I invite @bossj23 @nsijoro @ruthjoe @okere-blessing to this contest.