Perception.
To me a perception is a sense or feeling a person has regarding a situation or person. Now, I will be the first to acknowledge that perceptions can be incorrect. However, does that inaccuracy negate the perception? Just because the intent was not to hurt my feelings, doesn’t change my sense that it did hurt. Just because I see a moose jumping through rings in the clouds and another person sees a giraffe, doesn’t change the fact that I see a jumping moose.
Can someone argue with your perception? I’m not sure. My initial take is “No.” A person can provide facts, context and additional information to work on changing the perception; you can describe the features of the cloud that look like a giraffe to help me see it. But I don’t think you can tell me that it’s wrong that I see a moose. To do so negates me as a person and my independent feelings. To do so devalues my right to see or feel that way.
I think it is a fine line between dismissing a perception versus helping to provide context for adjustment of the perception. The specific words used and many times it may just be the tone in those words. In the cloud scenario, think about these interactions:
Version 1:
Me: Wow, look at that cloud. I think it looks like a moose jumping through rings.
Friend: No, it’s a giraffe.
Me: OK. (in my head, “No, I see a moose!”)
Version 2:
Me: Wow, look at that cloud. I think it looks like a moose jumping through rings.
Friend: Interesting. I think it looks like a giraffe. See that piece right there – that’s the neck.
Me: I guess I could see that too.
Just by telling me “No, it’s a giraffe”=”No, you are wrong” devalues my insight and perspective. By acknowledging my perspective and then offering your perspective, shows that you value my view and want to provide context for your perspective.
What do you think? Are perceptions arguable?
Everyone Thrives 