mrislam

Once, in the middle of a trip, I spent a long time in the bathroom. At one point, my dad game to the door and started asking, “Are you okay? Do you need any help?”

My first reaction was annoyance, I don't like talking from the bathroom.

Next, I was thinking how I'm not taking that long; not much more than usual at all!

I was also mad at how he thought I still need help in the bathroom. Ughhh.

All that was my most natural reaction as a teenager, and although listed separately, all three thoughts hit at the same time — making it difficult to uphold any good behaviour.

But, the order listed is the order I had refuted each thought;

My dad has a right to talk to my wherever and whenever I am.

Even if I am not taking much more time than usual, or ever need help in the bathroom — the guy only meant well and was checking in. You'll always be his little kid to him. (And he may have been politely telling you to hurry up too).

By doing this in the next few split-second, I was able to reply to him concisely and normally; and when I came out I was smiling.

___

There's a natural inner feeling as a teenager to take anything in a negative light.

But we must all take the risk of interpreting each and everything as well intended — and if that's ever impossible, then accept that there's a misunderstanding.