Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.
Robert J. Hanlon
I know. That’s not very likable, but it’s an old quote. As I’ve said, words change. Annnnnd, it’s a bit arrogant to assume the stupidity is the other person.
I received a harsh reply to an email this morning.
Immediately, I wondered if I had said something stupid that caused the reaction. Believe me. I’m not above saying something stupid. I have receipts.
When I went back and looked at what I wrote, I didn’t see anything that warranted the reply. Nope. I was my usual, likable self.
I could have snapped back with an equally harsh reply.
BUT. I assumed the person wasn’t angry with me. My message just didn’t hit the mark. Once I cleared it up. We’d be good.
Plus. It wouldn’t have helped get anything done.
AND. As a writer. Any miscommunication between my reader and me is my fault. So, I apologized and rephrased my request.
Here’s what happened next…
The person replied to me and apologized for responding that way. They read my email wrong.
Now. We’re good.
I wonder what would have happened if responded differently. A few days ago, I shared the principle of mirroring. This exchange is a good example of the principle in reverse.