The benefit of the doubt

I sometimes find myself making snap judgments about another individual. I may walk into a store and encounter a less than helpful salesperson. I can immediately create a story to explain his or her actions. Of course the story is never complimentary in its content. I don't really know what the salesperson has been dealing with that could affect behaviors. Perhaps the person has been informed that hours are being cut, that an ill parent has just taken a turn for the worse, or perhaps the person simply isn't feeling well but has to show up for work anyway. It is moments like this when easing up on the other person might be all that is called for. Sometimes a simple sincere question like, "Are you okay?" could help bridge the gap. Think about how you might want to be treated when you are in a less than positive mindset. Who do you know who could benefit from you giving the benefit of the doubt?