NOTICE THE CHANGES IN YOUR FRIENDS’ LIFE, BEFORE ASKING THEM QUESTIONS

Yesterday I noticed a pending message in my email inbox. It was from a colleague settled in Canada, whom I’ve not met in the last two decades. The message almost had a tone of accusation, which read, “Why did you miss the Thailand trip?” A billion reactions came to mind. Putting them aside, I simply responded; “Which trip? Who arranged it?’’

While waiting for a response, I realised that she had seen some pictures shared on social media by my colleagues enjoying a family vacation in Thailand. And the colleagues were welcomed by a former co-worker who now lives in Thailand. This get-together, as usual, had been labelled as a reunion. Seeing such photos of jubilance, fun and food, my friend in Canada believed that it was a reunion and I should be a party to it. Like her, we too, at times, jump the gun and question people about their actions to which they may not be party.

Let us stop, think, get the facts in place and then pose a question to which we expect an answer. Often we ask people questions based on our own presumptions with little knowledge of the facts. Think before asking a question. At times, you may be intruding upon the privacy of a person, unknowingly. We think we know a person well, but over a period of time their circumstances, health, and family commitments may change and their life may not be what we assume. So, keep in touch with your closed ones and notice the changes in their lives before questioning them.