“The intent we ascribe to a person is the lens through which we view their actions.”

—Rohan Rajiv, Author of A Learning a Day Blog

Image from Unsplash by Jacob Mejicanos

Intent is the quiet narrator behind every interaction, yet we often cast it without evidence.

When someone cuts us off in traffic, we might assume arrogance.

When a friend goes silent, we might read indifference.

But what if our assumptions say more about our fears than their motives?

The intent we assign becomes the lens that sharpens or distorts reality, turning neutral moments into slights or kindness into suspicion.

Choosing curiosity over certainty does not excuse harm, but it widens perspective.

Ask: What else could be true? In that question lies space for empathy, better conversations, and fewer unnecessary battles.

Notice how quickly a story forms, and how gently it can change when we look again with greater care.

EXERCISE:

The next time something bothers you, pause and produce three explanations: one generous, one neutral, and one negative.

Notice how these shifts in interpretation can soften your reactions and open better communications.