Understand the times.

In our interactions with people, we need to learn to understand the importance of times and seasons, particularly in delicate situations. One thing I have learnt in recent times is the difference between responding and reacting. There’s a time to react to a situation or react to a person and then there’s a time to respond instead.

There’s also a time to do nothing and say nothing. Many times, not being able to distinguish between these times has fractured a lot of relationships. One thing to do is ask yourself if what you want to say to the person can be said at a later time. At that very moment, ask yourself if this person needs comfort or condemnation, a listening ear or a lecture, and act accordingly. In times of obvious distress, offer comfort and a listening ear first before anything else. The condemnation and lecture can always come much later when the person is in a better state of mind to really hear what you’re saying.

Ibukun from MANI