I’ve seen a lot of younger, more “woke” (in the good sense, not the pejorative sense) folks reminding us older folks to not treat others as you’d like to be treated, but to treat them how THEY would prefer.
This is how Goldie wants to be treated, I hope.
That made me wonder how I’m supposed to know that? How do you know how someone wants you to treat them? If you know them, you can base it on experience. Otherwise…Do you guess?
Pondering deep questions like this makes me glad for the quiet back yard at the Red House.
Perhaps you might have to ask someone how they want to be treated. That might lead to a conversation. Insight may occur. Or not. But doing unto others like they prefer may end up being a bidirectional thing this way, if approached with kindness and respect.
The person behind The Hermits' Rest blog and many others. I'm a certified Texas Master Naturalist and love the nature of Milam County. I manage technical writers in Austin, help with Hearts Homes and Hands, a personal assistance service, in Cameron, and serve on three nonprofit boards. You may know me from La Leche League, knitting, iNaturalist, or Facebook. I'm interested in ALL of you!
View all posts by Sue Ann (Suna) Kendall
2 thoughts on “Do unto Others”
I think this is an important distinction. Just as in gift giving, you give the person what you think they want, not what you feel like giving. It annoys me when someone says, “Oh, they’ll like it because I’m giving it to them.” Maybe so, but how much better would it be if it was something they actually wanted. I’m a nurturer by nature, and I’m always wanting to help people, but I try to make sure it is a worthwile effort. Today, I was sending a get well card to someone and suggested they might like some meals brought to them. But I also asked if they were on a restricted diet because of their illness (like low protein or low sodium, etc.) so that I didn’t bring something they couldn’t eat. I think this exemplifies what you are suggesting. It doesn’t have to be a hard thing, just a concious thing.
The Upstate Gardening blog with Gardening Information, Recipies, Home Improvement Ideas, and Crafts Projects to make your life more beautiful and healthy.
The Hermits' Rest 
I think this is an important distinction. Just as in gift giving, you give the person what you think they want, not what you feel like giving. It annoys me when someone says, “Oh, they’ll like it because I’m giving it to them.” Maybe so, but how much better would it be if it was something they actually wanted. I’m a nurturer by nature, and I’m always wanting to help people, but I try to make sure it is a worthwile effort. Today, I was sending a get well card to someone and suggested they might like some meals brought to them. But I also asked if they were on a restricted diet because of their illness (like low protein or low sodium, etc.) so that I didn’t bring something they couldn’t eat. I think this exemplifies what you are suggesting. It doesn’t have to be a hard thing, just a concious thing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great insight. Thanks, Anna.
LikeLike