The Benefit of the Doubt

Today's random act of kindness is about thinking the best of someone, even if they don't deserve it.

I had an opportunity to get really upset with someone today. They told a story that sounded like something that happened to me; an event that really hurt me. But I couldn't be sure if they were talking about me or not. At first, I was embarassed because even though my name was never mentioned, I felt like all 100+ eyes were staring me in the back of the head. Then I got angry--how could this person be so insensitive? Then, I just wanted to tell everyone in the world how horrible they were! Certainly, others would understand and start hating them as well. That would be my sweet revenge, right?

It would have been SO easy to spread the negativity today all over the place! Then I realized that was my random act of kindness assignment today. I was supposed to give this person the benefit of the doubt. So, I talked to them. I asked them if they were discussing MY embarassing moment in the story that they told. They immediately apologized and said that they hadn't even been thinking about me at all when they told the story.

So there you have it...the benefit of the doubt. I could have continued the rest of the day, month, year, or lifetime upset and offended by this person when they didn't even mean to allude to my situation at all!

Is there someone in your life who deserves the benefit of the doubt today? How quick we are to judge sometimes. Perhaps there's someone in your life who needs this random act of kindness.

Until tomorrow... :)