Last week, a message arrived from someone I’ve known for nearly twenty-five years. An excerpt: Hugo, you were my mentor. You became a friend. You have been there for me through some really hard times. I don’t know what my life would be like if I hadn’t taken your class. And so I want to preface what comes next by saying I will always be thankful for you.
Well said. But almost too painful to read because it brought back ugly memories. Why do people assume the worst instead of just asking “why do you?” which would leave open the possibility of hoping friendship, or if not, a better understanding even if ways must part? It’s very unloving not to ask why.
Well said. But almost too painful to read because it brought back ugly memories. Why do people assume the worst instead of just asking “why do you?” which would leave open the possibility of hoping friendship, or if not, a better understanding even if ways must part? It’s very unloving not to ask why.
I genuinely admire and appreciate Betsy’s response below. I truly believe this to be the ultimate answer to the human condition. Curiosity.
It is the opposite of Fear and Confusion.
It brings us closer to Understanding from where we can decide how we wish to be with each other and, hopefully, with respect versus rancor.
Perhaps your former mentee will begin to look for questions rather than answers.