This Post Is Wrong

We hate being told we are wrong. Sometimes it is embarrassing. Other times it frustrates or makes us angry. Few like to feel like their intelligence is being questioned. Reality is that human beings are quite often wrong. We cannot know everything and sometimes our assumptions are based upon false logic. Without being wrong we will never know what is correct. We learn and grow when we are told that what we believe to be true is just the opposite.

Starting with school we are challenged to show what we know. Our homework is graded and handed back. We soon learn how much information we have stored versus what had been forgotten. The best teachers were the ones who did not just mark our papers. They also explained the answers and why they were correct. These instructors encouraged us to discover for ourselves the world of knowledge that surrounds us. Being wrong was the best way to assure that learning took place.

As adults we have many opportunities to become more skilled. Cooking, budgeting and other household skills require trial and error. We make mistakes and learn from them. As time goes on we get better at most everything. Looking at what went wrong is the only way to work toward what is right. Our jobs are no different. Others tell us when we screw up so we can make amends and become more efficient. If we were never told when we erred we would not progress and probably not be employed for very long.

Relationships are difficult enough without good communication skills. I cannot tell you how many times I have spoken to my wife based upon what I thought was true. She acts and I am sure the reason for it. The same goes for her. We talk and discover that in some cases we were wrong about the other person's motives. We would never have known if we did not promote honesty and forthright behavior in our relationship. Creating a safe environment to talk is a must! Being wrong early on led to greater understanding and a happier life together.

Being wrong is a real problem for those who feel that they can never be such. Prejudice and rigid thinking are two ways in which people will decide that they must be right no matter what anyone else says. It never feels good when another tells that you are mistaken in your thoughts or actions. A few people protect themselves from this. They might be highly sensitive or simply afraid of the truth. These souls cannot be moved from their positions. The word wrong only applies to those who disagree with them.

I would rather be told I am wrong than have someone let me walk in ignorance. It is crucial to determine just what is true or best or right. In some cases being wrong can have dire consequences. We not only need information but we need the correct information if we expect to lead quality lives. When you tell someone that they need to think differently please be kind to them. People are more receptive to hearing about their errors if it is done in a non-accusatory and non-critical manner. I know that in what I say I am not wrong... or am I?