From irrationalising the rational to rationalising the irrational.
I’m going to describe 3 places on the spectrum but you could be anywhere in between.
1. Mental illness
You irrationalise the rational.
When you suffer with a mental health problem such as depression or anxiety you find irrational ways of looking at the rational.
If you have depression you can’t find happiness where the average person might.
If you have anxiety you worry about things the average person wouldn’t.
2. Average Joe
You can rationalise the rational.
You can understand why the average person does want they do.
They are someone similar to you so it’s easy to relate to.
This is sympathy.
3. Mental wellness
You are able to rationalise the irrational.
You can put yourself in their shoes and understand why someone does something. Even if that person is very different to you. That person may even offend or even attack you.
You don’t need to agree with what someone does or why they do it.
If you have any desire to sustainabily influence anyone else’s actions you need understand and relate to someone first.
It’s called Empathy.