By: Violet Wilson, ORHA President
October 2025

Understanding Others’ Perspectives
Recently, I encountered a situation with an angry tenant. It would have been easy to assume that he was simply trying to make my life more difficult or that he was acting out of malice. While it is true that there are some genuinely malicious individuals, in most cases, people’s actions stem from other factors. Many individuals are dealing with high levels of frustration, significant stress, personal matters that may be causing them sadness, or various other concerns that affect their behavior.

The Value of Assuming Positive Intent
When interacting with others, it is important to approach situations with the mindset of assuming positive intent. By consciously choosing to believe that others are not acting out of ill will, individuals can help create a more respectful and productive environment. This approach not only reduces unnecessary misunderstandings but also encourages open and honest communication between all parties involved especially when dealing with difficult situations.

Positive intent refers to the practice of believing that others' words or actions are motivated by good intentions, even if the outcome is not as expected or if misunderstandings occur. It involves giving others the benefit of the doubt and approaching interactions with trust and empathy, rather than suspicion or judgment.