Seeing Humanity in Everyone—Even When It’s Hard

There’s a moment we’ve all faced—someone cuts us off in traffic, a coworker snaps at us, a stranger is unreasonably rude. And in that split second, it’s easy to react. To roll our eyes, lash out, or label them as inconsiderate, selfish, or worse. But what if, instead, we chose to pause? What if we asked ourselves: What’s their story?

It’s easy to see humanity in those we love, in those who are kind to us. But true resilience, true strength, comes in seeing the humanity in everyone—even when they make it difficult.

The Power of Perspective

Every single person we encounter is carrying something we don’t see. The cashier who seems distant? Maybe she’s dealing with a sick parent. The short-tempered boss? He could be battling anxiety. The friend who suddenly withdrew? Perhaps they’re struggling with something they haven’t found the words for.

It’s not about excusing bad behaviour. It’s about choosing understanding over assumption.

Think back to a time you weren’t at your best. Maybe you were overwhelmed, exhausted, or hurt. Wouldn’t you have wanted someone to extend a little grace? A little patience?

Why This Matters for Our Resilience

Holding onto anger, resentment, or judgment weighs us down. It keeps us locked in cycles of frustration. But when we shift our perspective—when we choose to see people not as obstacles but as complex human beings—we free ourselves.

Empathy doesn’t mean tolerating mistreatment, but it does mean recognizing that hurt people often hurt others. And when we see that, we gain the power to respond rather than react.

How to See the Humanity in Others (Even When It’s Hard)

1?? Pause Before Reacting When someone upsets you, take a breath. Ask yourself: What else might be going on here? This moment of pause can change everything.

2?? Remember a Time You Needed Grace Think of a time you needed someone to understand your struggle, even when you weren’t showing it. Offer that same grace now.

3?? Be Curious, Not Judgmental Instead of assuming the worst, get curious. Maybe that difficult coworker is overwhelmed. Maybe that distant friend is processing something personal.

4?? Set Boundaries with Compassion Seeing someone’s humanity doesn’t mean allowing toxic behaviour. It means choosing how to respond—with clarity and kindness.

5?? Lead with Kindness A simple act—eye contact, a smile, a patient response—can shift someone’s day. You never know who might need it.

Closing Thought

The world is noisy, chaotic, and at times, unforgiving. But we can choose to be different. We can choose to be the ones who see, understand, and soften the sharp edges of our interactions.

It won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it. Because the more we choose to see the humanity in others, the more we cultivate it within ourselves.

What would change in your life if you practised seeing the person behind the action? Try it today. ??