Assuming good intent.

People do not always show up in the best way.
Or the clearest way.
Or your preferred way.

Sometimes they miss the mark entirely.
Sometimes they say the wrong thing.
Forget something important.
Handle a situation poorly.
Or disappoint us.

But before assuming selfishness.
Disrespect.
Laziness.
Or a lack of care.
Pause.
And consider whether there might be another explanation.

Most of the time, the people who love us are not trying to hurt us.
They are trying — imperfectly — to help.
To care.
To support.
To connect.
To show up.

The impact may still need to be addressed.
The disappointment may still be real.
The conversation may still need to happen.

But healthy relationships become easier when people do not automatically assign the worst possible meaning to each other’s mistakes.

Because sometimes the execution is poor.
While the intention was good.

And sometimes seeing the intention helps us respond with more understanding, patience, and grace.