The Sides of the Story: My Side, Your Side, and the Truth in the Middle

By #LearnedMan ‘Smiles R Contagious’

There’s a saying: “There are three sides to every story: my side, your side, and the truth.” It’s a simple statement, but its implications are profound. Truth is often seen as definitive, but when we unpack it, we find that truth is influenced by our experiences, beliefs, and perceptions. Not all truths are facts, but all facts are truths. This distinction matters because it shapes the way we understand ourselves, others, and the world around us.

My Side: The Lens of Experience

My side of the story is shaped by everything I’ve lived through—the joys, heartbreaks, lessons, and scars. These experiences form the lens through which I interpret the world. My truth feels real because it’s rooted in my perception, my emotions, and my logic. However, no matter how much I try to articulate my truth, I can’t assume you fully understand it. You don’t share my exact journey, and I don’t share yours.

This is where humility comes in. I must accept that my side of the story is incomplete. It’s one piece of a much larger puzzle. Even when I feel justified or certain, I have to remind myself that there’s more to the story than what I see.

Your Side: The Power of Perspective

Your side of the story is equally valid, shaped by your unique experiences, beliefs, and values. It may challenge my truth, and that’s okay. The beauty of relationships—whether personal, professional, or communal—is that they bring diverse perspectives together.

Listening to your side requires patience and empathy. It’s not about agreeing but about seeking to understand. What shaped your truth? Why do you see things the way you do? Asking these questions with genuine curiosity creates a bridge rather than a wall.

The Truth: The Bridge in the Middle

The truth often lies somewhere in the middle. It’s not about compromising or diluting our beliefs but about recognizing that the full picture is rarely seen from one side alone. Truth, in its purest form, is fact-based, but facts often need context to be fully understood.

For example, if two people argue, one might say, “You never listen to me,” while the other counters, “You always criticize me.” The truth may be that both feel unheard and misunderstood, and their reactions are rooted in past wounds rather than present intentions. When we step back to explore the “why” behind each perspective, we often uncover the deeper truths that connect us rather than divide us.

Respecting the Three Sides

The beauty of acknowledging three sides to every story is that it creates space for growth, understanding, and peace. Relationships thrive when we: 1. Respect Differences: Recognizing that others’ truths are shaped by their unique journeys helps us approach conversations without judgment.2. Listen Without Assumptions: Truly hearing someone means setting aside our preconceived notions and being present in the moment. 3. Understand the Why: Digging into the reasons behind someone’s perspective often reveals shared humanity and common ground.

When we honor the three sides of a story, we acknowledge the complexity of human experiences. We stop clinging to the need to be “right” and start valuing connection over conflict.

The Peace of Three Sides

At the core of this approach is the pursuit of peace. Not a superficial peace born of avoidance, but a deep-rooted harmony that comes from understanding. When we accept that no single perspective holds the entire truth, we free ourselves from the burden of judgment and open the door to compassion.

So the next time you find yourself in disagreement, remember: My side matters. Your side matters. But the truth? The truth is in the middle, waiting for us to meet it with open hearts and open minds. Together, we can build relationships that honor the beauty of all three sides and lead us to a place of peace.