Opinion: Don’t take it too personally

Commentary by Jeff Worrell

I am often coached to not take things too personally. I am told to realize someone might be just having a bad day or it is just business. A mentor once used as an example the doctor whose dying patient blames him for his plight and how the doctor had to ignore and forgive the outburst to continue treating the patient.

But taking things too personally can erode the fabric of civility, creating barriers between us. When we become overly sensitive to others’ words or actions, it hinders our ability to engage in open, respectful dialogue. Imagine someone offers constructive criticism, but instead of considering the merit of their feedback, we perceive it as a personal attack.

In a civil society, the cornerstone of progress is our ability to communicate effectively, to share ideas and to address differences with mutual respect. Taking things personally often clouds our judgment, making it difficult to separate our emotions from the issue at hand. This emotional entanglement can escalate minor disagreements into major disputes, straining relationships and creating division.

Moreover, when we take things too personally, we often project our insecurities onto others. This projection can result in unfounded assumptions about others’ intentions, further diminishing our ability to engage in civil discourse. Instead of fostering understanding, we build walls that keep us apart.

In essence, maintaining civility requires emotional resilience and a willingness to view situations objectively. By not taking things too personally, we can engage in healthier, more constructive interactions, ultimately strengthening the bonds of our community. Let’s focus on fostering understanding and respect, ensuring a more harmonious society.