You Never Know What Someone Is Going Through

Sometimes the things that are going on in people's lives cause them to behave irrationally, be short-tempered or over-react. Our instinct might be to take this personally, but you never know what a person is going through. Until we live their life, we have no idea what they may have experienced.

Read on to find out why you should always consider how you treat people, and how you can support someone who is going through a challenging time.

The importance of remaining kind to all people

Despite outward appearances in life and on social media, you never know what people are going through. We are quick to judge people’s behaviour, perhaps taking it personally or even thinking they are bad people. How often do we consider the bigger picture, or that there could be a deeper reason for the way they act? You never know what a person is going through so consider giving them the benefit of the doubt and instead, think about where you could show kindness towards them.

How to help your loved ones during a difficult time

When you don’t know what someone else is going through, it can be hard to know how to help them. Here’s some simple ways that you can be there for your friend or family member:

Offer to spend time together

Human nature craves connection and simply being around other people can change how we are feeling. On bad days, they may really appreciate simple acts of kindness. Offer your loved one this connection that they may be desiring and let them know you are here for them.

Be there for them and listen when they speak

How many of us are never present enough to truly listen? Some people don’t want to talk straight away, but you can show them that their feelings and emotions are important to you.

Hold off on the advice

Because you never know what someone's going through, it can do more harm than good to offer unsolicited advice. So instead, actively listen to them, and only offer advice when asked.

Validate their thoughts and feelings

When you don’t feel good your thoughts and feelings are very real. Don’t judge and instead take time to acknowledge your friend or family member’s thoughts and feelings.

Ask how you can help

Often the simplest thing we can do is ask how we can be there for someone. This empowers your loved one to think about what they need, whilst showing that you are here if they need you.

Check in often, but don’t smother them

It can be a lonely time when you feel like you’re the only person in the world going through a challenging time. But space is also needed to work things out. By checking in on them regularly they will feel supported, but can also breathe as well.

Remember to take care of yourself, too

Supporting someone else through tough times can take a lot of your energy, especially when other people may never know what someone is going through. If your energy is low, you’ll find it hard to be able to fully support your loved one as well.

The best “You Never Know What Someone Is Going Through” quotes

Here are some of the best ‘you never know what someone is going through’ quotes, to help support yourself and your loved ones during challenging times:

No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted - Aesop

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle - Socrates

To be kind is more important than to be right. Many times, what people need is not a brilliant mind that speaks but a special heart that listens - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless - Mother Teresa

Remember that everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something and has lost something - H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Key takeaway

Each day we all have the choice in how we react to others’ behaviour. Next time something triggers you or you become reactive, try to take a breath. You don’t know what others are going through, so choosing kindness and compassion could help both of you to navigate your way.