"I could be wrong."

Mature thinking involves realizing that we can never be 100% accurate in how we interpret another's thoughts, words, or behavior. Even if we are 99% sure, there is always a 1% chance we are wrong. Thus, we must adopt a more humble, tentative attitude about the accuracy of our mind reading, and its resulting negative conclusions. We must ask ourselves if we might be being overly negative in our interpretation of our loved one's actions. Or we might have misunderstandings stemming from differences in their perspectives—and is not the result of some negative trait of the other person.

It's important to substitute more reasonable responses for negative thoughts. Once we allow for the possibility that we could be wrong in our mind reading, it allows us to consider other possible conclusions. One of the best ways to care for your most important relationships is to guard them from becoming infected by negative thinking. As you adopt more humble and tentative attitudes about your mate's behaviors, consider other more positive reasons, check out the accuracy by asking, and keep track of positive behavior, you will be erecting a solid foundation of protection around your relationship.

Do you ever find yourself just sitting around hoping the other person will change?

Do you have the maturity to ask the other person about their true motives? What if you were wrong? Do you have the maturity to apologize?

© Copyright 2005 Smalley Relationship Center

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