THIS or THAT Episode 5: I have a different perspective, doesn’t mean I hate yours

This year my theme for the #MyFriendAlexa campaign is “This or That”. Here, I’ll be putting up a day-to-day scenario that mostly all of us face sometime or the other, along with two different ways in which we can react towards those scenarios – either “This” or “That”. So, let’s look at today’s scenario!

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“Miss Prarthana!”

“Yes. That’ll be me.”, Prarthana signalled to the server who stood on the other side of the counter at Starbucks calling out her name as her double espresso coffee was ready. Suddenly Prarthana heard her name being called out from another direction as well.

“Prarthana? Prarthana Tyagi? Is that you?”

She looked around to figure out where was her name being called from when she saw someone wave at her.

“Srishti? Oh my god! Hie! It’s been so long!”, said Prarthana as Srishti came closer and they greeted each other with a semi hug. Srishti and Prarthana had been school mates and were seeing each other after a long gap of 15 years. The two of them sat down to finish their respective coffees and 15 minutes into the conversation realized that they were on the same flight to Chennai.

They soon boarded their flight and took their conversation further ahead.

“So, Srishti what are you up to these days?”

“Well, I just left my corporate job and am currently exploring the world of network marketing.” Srishti continued to explain about the multi-level marketing firm she was working with and the advantages of working with one.

“Frankly speaking Srishti, I don’t believe in this module of earning money. I’ve done plenty of research on various companies with the networking business plans and have realized that it requires a lot of investment before the returns start coming in. And to add to it, many companies have shut down after taking investments from people, leaving them in huge debts. I am better off in my corporate slavery which I actually love.”, replied Prarthana with a smile. “However, I hope it works out for you. There’s no harm in trying after all. And I know your marketing and convincing skills have been great from the start, so, this must be really interesting for you.”

Srishti got a little uncomfortable upon hearing Prathana’s views about the business plan, and a little seed of abomination had been sewn for Prarthana somewhere inside her. “Oh I can’t be a part of only work and no fun working culture like you. And yes, I’ll make it work Prarthana. I’m having a little headache now, I guess I’ll take a nap.”, said a disinterested Srishti.

“Oh yes, Sure. And I know a few people who might be interested to join your line of business, I’ll definitely recommend your name to them.”, Prarthana replied in a genuinely polite tone.

After this encounter, let’s see how Prarthana and Srishti describe their meeting to their mutual friend, Aariv…

THIS: (Srishti’s point of view)

Srishti: I met Prarthana recently. She has become even more rude compared to what she was back in school.

Aariv: Why do you say that Srish?

Srishti: I told her about what I’m working on and she just went out and disagreed on everything I said! She went on about how network marketing field is a fraud and how people have been scammed in the past.

Aariv: Relax Srish. Prarthana is someone who has always spoken her mind but I know she never means ill for anyone. I think you’re reading too much into it.

Srishti: No, Aariv. You weren’t there when she strongly disagreed with everything I said in a demeaning tone. I’m glad I’m not in touch with her.

THAT: (Prarthana’s point of view)

Prarthana: You know what Aariv? I bumped into Srishti at an airport recently. I was so glad to catch up with her after so long.

Aariv: You did?

Prarthana: Yes. You must be knowing that she has taken up network marketing as a career. Although I don’t believe in that kind of a business plan, but I hope things work out for her. I referred her to a few of my known ones who were looking to get into the same field as hers.

Aariv: I’m surprised to hear that Prarthana! Srish told me a completely different story. Didn’t you find her rude?

Prarthana: Rude? What? No, not at all. We were just speaking our minds. We had different opinions on a subject but that doesn’t mean I declare her to be rude. I look forward to meet her again soon and know more about her experience in the field.

Surprised to hear completely different perspectives of the same conversation? Well, isn’t this what we all do? Do you too despise someone if you have a difference of opinion with them? Why can’t we just accept that different people have different perspectives, and it’s okay to still be friends with them.

To be honest, I am not someone who accepts a different perspective easily, but I’m trying my best to welcome various outlooks that don’t align with mine and not loathe the person at the same time. Do let me know how do you handle completely opposite perspectives!

You may read other episodes here:

Episode 1: Late to the Party!

Episode 2: Crisp White Shirt

Episode 3: Road Rage

Episode 4: Out of Love or Out of Fear?

I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa!